ESET Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions for Education: Schools, Universities, Students & Educators

With cyberattacks on educational institutions surging—$3.9M (R73.32M) average data breach costs and a 30% rise in ransomware (Ponemon Institute, 2020; CISA, 2020)—Thrifttech Solutions, as your exclusive provider of ESET cybersecurity solutions, delivers comprehensive protection for K-12 schools, universities, students, and educators in South Africa. ESET’s AI-powered solutions, trusted by 300+ schools and 1 billion+ users, protect sensitive data, ensure compliance with POPI, CIPA, HIPAA, and GDPR, and enable uninterrupted learning. Our full portfolio, including Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Proof of Protection (POP), and all consumer, business, and service solutions from the 2024 South Africa Price Lists, secures the education sector. Note: ZAR/USD estimations are based on an exchange rate of approximately R18.80/$1 (April 2025).

Why ESET for Education?

Educational institutions face unique cybersecurity challenges: limited budgets, diverse IT environments, human error, and sensitive student data. ESET’s multilayered protection, backed by 30+ years of AI expertise and 13 global R&D centers, provides lightweight, scalable tools for schools, universities, and individual students and teachers. As a European Union-made solution with values of integrity and social responsibility, ESET ensures award-winning protection (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, 2023 SC Award for Best Customer Service) with minimal system impact.

“Cybercriminals target schools without mercy. Awareness and resources can make education less vulnerable.” – Steve Flynn, Sales and Marketing Director, ESET Southern Africa.

Key Challenges:

• Limited Budgets: Funding constraints limit robust security.
• Diverse IT: Legacy systems, BYOD, and student devices complicate protection.
• Human Error: Phishing exploits students and staff.
• Data Privacy: PII and academic records are prime targets.
• Low Awareness: Insufficient training increases risks.

What Education Users Appreciate:

• Minimal system footprint: Lightweight for aging school hardware.
• Excellent malware accuracy: 100% detection in MITRE ATT&CK tests.
• Easy deployment and management: Simplifies IT administration.
• Problem-free operation: No interruptions to learning.
• Trusted by global leaders: Used by Google, Canon, and Allianz.

ESET Solutions for Education

Our complete portfolio, sourced from the 2024 South Africa Price Lists for Consumer, Business, and Services, scales from 1 to 1000+ devices, catering to K-12 schools, universities, and individual students and teachers. Prices are in ZAR, including 15% VAT. Thrifttech Solutions is your exclusive provider, ensuring tailored support and promotional pricing for the education sector.

Consumer Solutions (1-25 Devices)

Ideal for small schools, individual educators, and students’ personal devices, managed via the ESET HOME web-portal or mobile app for maximum digital security.

• EHSE Multi-Year Promotion 2 & 3 Year (1 to 10 users): Comprehensive protection for your digital life, includes Anti-Theft. Protection made simple with antivirus, anti-phishing, and device security for Windows, macOS, and Android.
  • 1 user: R418.00 (1 yr), R836.01 (2 yrs), R1,254.01 (3 yrs)
  • 5 users: R617.00 (1 yr), R1,234.00 (2 yrs), R1,851.00 (3 yrs)
  • 10 users: R866.00 (1 yr), R1,732.00 (2 yrs), R2,598.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Most Popular: EHSP Multi-Year Promotion 2 & 3 Year (1 to 10 users): Proactive protection, feature-rich and light on resources. Adds password management and encryption.
  • 1 user: R467.00 (1 yr), R935.00 (2 yrs), R1,402.00 (3 yrs)
  • 5 users: R666.00 (1 yr), R1,333.00 (2 yrs), R1,999.00 (3 yrs)
  • 10 users: R916.00 (1 yr), R1,832.00 (2 yrs), R2,747.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Small Office Protection (5 to 25 users): User-friendly protection tailored to the small business. Protect your data, devices, servers, and much more.
  • 5 users: R1,465.00 (1 yr), R2,930.00 (2 yrs), R4,395.00 (3 yrs)
  • 10 users: R2,356.00 (1 yr), R4,712.00 (2 yrs), R7,068.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R171.00/seat (1 yr), R343.00/seat (2 yrs), R514.00/seat (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Features:
• Blocks malware, ransomware, and phishing.
• Lightweight for student laptops and tablets.
• Parental controls for safe browsing (EHSP).
• Remote management via ESET HOME.
• Education Benefit: Secures teachers’ and students’ personal devices, supporting hybrid learning.

Small & Medium Business (5-999 Devices)

Perfect for K-12 schools and smaller universities, centered around the ESET PROTECT Platform for unified breach prevention, detection, and response.

• ESET PROTECT Essential (5 or more users): Basic multilayered endpoint protection with cloud-based console and ESET Endpoint Antivirus.
  • 5 users: R461.00 (1 yr), R830.00 (2 yrs), R1,245.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R392.00 (1 yr), R706.00 (2 yrs), R1,059.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R255.00 (1 yr), R459.00 (2 yrs), R688.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• ESET PROTECT Entry (5 or more users): Adds server security and cloud sandboxing.
  • 5 users: R576.00 (1 yr), R1,036.00 (2 yrs), R1,554.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R489.00 (1 yr), R880.00 (2 yrs), R1,320.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R318.00 (1 yr), R573.00 (2 yrs), R859.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Recommended: ESET PROTECT Complete (5 or more users): Includes mail security, advanced threat defense, vulnerability & patch management, cloud app protection, and XDR capabilities.
  • 5 users: R921.00 (1 yr), R1,658.00 (2 yrs), R2,487.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R782.00 (1 yr), R1,408.00 (2 yrs), R2,112.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R506.00 (1 yr), R911.00 (2 yrs), R1,366.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• ESET PROTECT Advanced (5 or more users): Enhanced with full disk encryption, cloud app protection, and XDR.
  • 5 users: R749.00 (1 yr), R1,349.00 (2 yrs), R2,024.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R637.00 (1 yr), R1,147.00 (2 yrs), R1,721.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R412.00 (1 yr), R742.00 (2 yrs), R1,113.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• ESET PROTECT Enterprise (25 or more users): Full XDR platform with EDR, 2FA, and advanced threat intelligence.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET PROTECT Mail Plus (5 or more users): Advanced email protection with sandboxing.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Vulnerability & Patch Management (5 or more users): Automates software updates to prevent exploits.
  • 5 users: R1,153.00 (1 yr), R2,306.00 (2 yrs), R3,459.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R980.00 (1 yr), R1,960.00 (2 yrs), R2,940.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R635.00 (1 yr), R1,270.00 (2 yrs), R1,905.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• XDR Features:
• Real-time threat correlation across endpoints, networks, and cloud.
• Detects APTs, stops file-less attacks, blocks zero-day threats, and protects against ransomware.
• Centralized visibility for IT admins.
• Education Benefit: Secures school networks, student devices, and administrative systems with XDR for proactive threat hunting. Compare our small & medium business offerings.

Enterprise (1000+ Devices)

Designed for large universities and school districts with complex IT environments.

• ESET PROTECT Complete (5 or more users): Robust protection with XDR for large-scale deployments.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As above.
• ESET PROTECT Advanced (5 or more users): Advanced security with encryption, cloud protection, and XDR.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As above.
• Recommended: ESET PROTECT Enterprise (25 or more users): Comprehensive XDR with EDR, 2FA, threat intelligence, and cross-platform visibility.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• XDR Features:
• Enterprise-grade visibility, threat hunting, and response.
• Rapid incident response for sophisticated attacks, backed by ESET’s MITRE ATT&CK contributions.
• Education Benefit: Protects sprawling university networks and research data with XDR.

On-Premise Endpoint Security

For institutions preferring local management.

• ESET PROTECT Essential On-Prem (5 or more users): Basic endpoint security.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As per ESET PROTECT Essential.
• ESET PROTECT Entry On-Prem (5 or more users): Adds server and sandboxing.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As per ESET PROTECT Entry.
• ESET PROTECT Complete On-Prem (5 or more users): Includes mail, cloud protection, and XDR.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As per ESET PROTECT Complete.
• ESET PROTECT Advanced On-Prem (5 or more users): Enhanced with encryption and XDR.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As per ESET PROTECT Advanced.
• ESET PROTECT Enterprise On-Prem (100 or more users): Full XDR for large deployments.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET PROTECT Essential Plus On-Prem (5 or more users): Mid-tier on-prem protection.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• Features:
• Local management for sensitive environments.
• High performance with low system impact.
• Education Benefit: Ideal for schools with data residency requirements.

Server and Mail Security

Safeguard critical infrastructure and communications.

• ESET Server Security (1 to 24 users): Protects Windows and Linux servers.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Mail Security (5 or more users): Blocks spam and email-borne threats.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Security for Microsoft SharePoint Server (Per User) (5 or more users): Secures SharePoint data.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Security for Microsoft SharePoint Server (Per Server) (1 or more users): Server-level SharePoint protection.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• Features:
• Shields servers hosting learning management systems.
• Filters malware and phishing from emails.
• Education Benefit: Ensures secure virtual classrooms and administrative systems.

Cloud and Collaboration Security

Protect cloud-based learning platforms.

• ESET Cloud Office Security (5 or more users): Secures Microsoft 365 email and storage.
  • 5 users: R68,686.00 (1 yr), R137,372.00 (2 yrs), R206,058.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R68,686.00 (1 yr), R137,372.00 (2 yrs), R206,058.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R137.00 (1 yr), R275.00 (2 yrs), R412.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• ESET LiveGuard Advanced (5 or more users): Cloud sandboxing for zero-day threats, defends against targeted attacks and ransomware.
  • 5 users: R68,686.00 (1 yr), R137,372.00 (2 yrs), R206,058.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R68,686.00 (1 yr), R137,372.00 (2 yrs), R206,058.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R68,686.00 (1 yr), R137,372.00 (2 yrs), R206,058.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Features:
• Anti-malware and anti-phishing for cloud apps.
• Real-time threat analysis.
• Education Benefit: Safeguards Teams, OneDrive, and other educational tools.

Gateway Security

Secure network gateways for robust perimeter defense.

• ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Kerio Connect (5 or more users): Protects email gateways.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Gateway Security for Linux/BSD (5 or more users): Shields network traffic.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• Features:
• Blocks malware at the network edge.
• Ensures secure internet access.
• Education Benefit: Protects school networks from external threats.

Authentication and Encryption

Prevent unauthorized access and secure data.

• ESET Secure Authentication (5 or more users): Two-factor authentication (2FA) for networks and apps.
  • 5 users: R72,450.00 (1 yr), R144,900.00 (2 yrs), R217,350.00 (3 yrs)
  • 25 users: R72,450.00 (1 yr), R144,900.00 (2 yrs), R217,350.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R145.00 (1 yr), R290.00 (2 yrs), R434.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Legacy: ESET Full Disk Encryption (5 or more users, requires endpoint product): Encrypts disks and files.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• Features:
• 2FA blocks phishing and credential theft.
• Encryption protects student PII and academic records.
• Education Benefit: Meets privacy regulations and secures sensitive data.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Gain deep threat visibility with ESET Inspect (250 or more users).

• Features:
• Detects advanced persistent threats (APTs).
• Incident investigation and remediation.
• Education Benefit: Ideal for universities with research data risks.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

Outsource threat hunting with ESET MDR (25 or more users) and ESET MDR Ultimate (25 or more users).

• ESET MDR: Complements ESET products, investigates, identifies, and responds to threats penetrating standard defenses.
  • 25 users: R95,335.00 (1 yr), R190,670.00 (2 yrs), R286,005.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R191.00 (1 yr), R382.00 (2 yrs), R573.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• ESET MDR Ultimate: Premium MDR service, a complete end-to-end solution to reduce long-term costs and increase efficiency.
  • 25 users: R476,675.00 (1 yr), R953,350.00 (2 yrs), R1,430,025.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R954.00 (1 yr), R1,908.00 (2 yrs), R2,862.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Features:
• 24/7 AI and human-led monitoring.
• Proactive ransomware mitigation and forensics.
• Education Benefit: Reduces IT team workload for schools and universities.

Proof of Protection (POP)

Demonstrate cybersecurity compliance with Proof of Protection (POP).

• Features:
• Generates detailed reports on threat detection and response.
• Simplifies audits for CIPA, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance.
• Education Benefit: Provides evidence of robust security to regulators, parents, and stakeholders.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.

Vulnerability and Patch Management

Minimize risks with ESET Vulnerability & Patch Management (5 or more users).

• Features:
• Identifies and patches software vulnerabilities.
• Automates updates to prevent exploits.
• Education Benefit: Keeps diverse IT environments secure and compliant.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): As above.

Premium Support Services

Access expert assistance with ESET Premium Support Essential (5 or more users) and ESET Premium Support Advanced (5 or more users).

• ESET Premium Support Essential: Flat rate for up to 99 seats.
  • 5 users: R7,423.00 (1 yr), R14,846.00 (2 yrs), R22,269.00 (3 yrs)
  • 99 users: R7,423.00 (1 yr), R14,846.00 (2 yrs), R22,269.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• ESET Premium Support Advanced: Round-the-clock support, experts work with your team to develop response and remediation plans.
  • 5 users: R86,675.00 (1 yr), R173,350.00 (2 yrs), R260,025.00 (3 yrs)
  • 999 users: R318.00 (1 yr), R636.00 (2 yrs), R954.00 (3 yrs)
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT):
• Features:
• 24/7 priority support with dedicated managers (Advanced).
• Proactive issue resolution.
• Education Benefit: Ensures minimal downtime for school IT teams.

Security and Professional Services

Optimize security with Healthcheck & Deployment.

• ESET Deployment & Upgrade (1 or more users): Professional installation and configuration.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Healthcheck (1 or more users): System audits to identify weaknesses.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• Features:
• Ensures optimal security setup.
• Identifies vulnerabilities for remediation.
• Education Benefit: Simplifies deployment and maximizes protection.

Other Services

Enhance security with additional offerings.

• ESET Detection and Response Essential (1 or more users): Basic threat detection and response.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Detection and Response Advanced (1 or more users): Advanced threat detection and response.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Threat Intelligence (1 or more users): Supplies unique feeds and reports from ESET researchers monitoring APTs, with data from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• ESET Micro Updates (1 or more users): Ensures continuous protection with minimal bandwidth usage.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Contact Thrifttech Solutions for tailored quotes.
• Features:
• Enhances threat detection and response capabilities.
• Provides actionable intelligence for proactive security.
• Education Benefit: Strengthens institutional security with tailored services.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Build cyber hygiene with ESET Cybersecurity Training (free in select regions).

• Features:
• Webinars and exercises on phishing, passwords, and safe browsing.
• Complimentary 6-month ESET Internet Security licenses for students and teachers (select regions).
• Education Benefit: Empowers students and educators to reduce human error.
• Pricing (ZAR, incl. VAT): Free in select regions; contact Thrifttech Solutions for details.

Secure Our Educational Institutions Program (Up to 30% Off!)

Exclusive benefits for the education sector, brought to you by Thrifttech Solutions and ESET.

Features:

• • Regular promotional pricing offering up to 30% off on all licenses (endpoint, encryption, MDR, POP, XDR, etc.).

Education Benefit:

Supports school budgets and communities with cost-effective cybersecurity solutions.

The Cost of Inaction

Cyberattacks devastate schools and universities. The University of California, San Francisco paid $1.14M in ransom in 2020, plus restoration and legal costs. ESET’s solutions, provided by Thrifttech Solutions, mitigate these risks effectively.

“Cybersecurity is a necessary investment. Our partnership with Thrifttech Solutions makes it accessible for education.” – Steve Flynn.

Success Stories

• Court Moor School, UK: ESET PROTECT Entry resolved a virus outbreak, ensuring stability.
• Bishop of Winchester Academy, UK: ESET PROTECT Essential protected student data seamlessly.
• Sisonke Solutions, South Africa: Secured schools with ESET MDR, XDR, and POP for compliance.

“ESET ensures uptime and protects our data.” – IT Administrator.

Why Choose ESET?

• AI-Powered Protection: 30+ years of machine learning expertise, recognized as a Major Player by IDC MarketScape 2021 and Overall Leader in LEADERSHIP COMPASS EPDR 2022.
• Lightweight Design: Minimal impact on school and student devices, praised by users like Mitsubishi Motors.
• Award-Winning Support: 2023 SC Award for Best Customer Service, 5,411 Trustpilot reviews.
• Compliance Ready: Simplifies CIPA, HIPAA, and GDPR with POP reporting.
• Proven Trust: Secures 32,000+ endpoints in education, backed by 400k+ business customers and 50k+ channel partners.
• Industry Recognition: Named a Champion by Canalys for account management and technical support.

Get Started Today

Protect your institution, students, and educators with ESET’s full cybersecurity portfolio, including XDR, POP, and all consumer, business, and service solutions, exclusively provided by Thrifttech Solutions.

Thrifttech Solutions: Securing Education’s Future with ESET

Focus on learning, not cyber threats. Safeguard your entire educational ecosystem with ESET’s comprehensive solutions, delivered by Thrifttech Solutions.

Note: Pricing varies by region. Contact Thrifttech Solutions for details. Some features may not be available in all markets.