An anti-virus is terrific software that protects businesses of all sizes.
By including anti-virus software in your cyber security strategy, you are already one step ahead against those criminals looking for a vulnerability in your cyber security to exploit.
As one of the best cyber security service providers in Australia, we always champion risk prevention for our customers. Stopping attacks before they happen is the most cost-effective solution for any business in this digitally dependent era.
Waiting for cyberattacks to happen when you could have mitigated the risks beforehand is a dangerous way to run a business (even if you have a small to medium-sized business). You’re not only risking your data but also your customers’ safety.
There’s a lot to do when it comes to protecting your data, but the one that’s on top of our list is anti-virus.
In this article, we'll cover what an anti-virus is and the best anti-virus software for small businesses.
What is an anti-virus?
Verizon defined anti-virus as “a kind of software used to prevent, scan, detect and delete viruses from a computer.”
Anti-virus software defends you from a diverse range of threats that can damage your device, IT system, and business.
How does an anti-virus protect you against malware and other cyber risks?
Do you remember that scene in The Lord of the Rings when Gandalf fought off that Balrog?
Fighting malware is a bit like that.
Well, not that extreme, but you get my point.
And without a Gandalf (anti-virus), The Fellowship of the Ring (your business) might not have made it out of the Mines of Moria (cyberattack) alive.
Anti-virus software works by scanning your applications and files for any type of malware, whether old or new. According to Verizon, most anti-virus programs have three different kinds of detection features.
First is specific detection, wherein it scans for common malware. The second is generic detection, wherein it scans for any malware patterns, parts, or kinds that run on a similar source code. The third is heuristic detection, where it inspects your device for unknown malware and trojans hiding within the depths of your computer.
Whenever the anti-virus software detects a virus, it will either mark the infected file for deletion by sending you a warning message or remove it automatically from your system. This process prevents you from accessing the file and spreading the damage.
Remember that an anti-virus is an active type of software.
It’s always on the lookout for suspicious files that may contain viruses. But of course, to utilise its full capabilities, you have to manually run scans every week to ensure everything is spick and span.
What is the best anti-virus for small businesses?
It’s only natural that you want the best anti-virus on the market for your business. But take note that the anti-virus you choose reflects your cyber security goals, and if it protects the aspects of your data that you want to protect.
Webroot
Webroot is one of our favourite anti-virus for small businesses. It’s one of the most highly rated security software programs that has already protected over 95 million devices, from computers to smartphones and tablets.
We love that it’s flexible to any business size and hardly takes up any system space. Webroot is a user-friendly tool that everyone can use, even without an IT background. It also has many advanced features, mainly for detecting and managing cyber threats.
Webroot uses real-time protection to detect malware and phishing attacks, viruses, trojans, and data theft.
It uses advanced features like cloud-based security technology and real-time behavioural analysis that will scan for any potential threats and protect your sensitive data without impeding your work and interrupting your online activity.
Webroot can also rectify damage from ransomware attacks.
If you’re currently running a small business and looking for lightweight anti-virus software that does the job right, Webroot is your best choice. You get to do your business online without worrying about cyberattacks in the background.
Huntress
Huntress is a security platform that focuses on managed detection and response. It can effectively scan and rectify detected malicious activities that bypass your outer defences, like your anti-virus and firewall.
Although Huntress runs on an automated system, it still deploys ThreatOps, providing around-the-clock support and expertise to fight cyber threats.
When the automated system analyses the data, it can escalate the threat alert to an expert who will investigate the threat, determine its classification and severity, and create a remediation plan against it.
What made Huntress unique from most anti-virus software for small businesses is that it doesn’t rely only on artificial intelligence in detecting and rectifying threats.
Although automated technology has come a long way since then, there’s still a chance that cyber threats may slip through your defences if you rely on it 100%. Still, nothing beats the human touch when it comes to threat hunting.
Huntress also has a variety of other services in their security platform that:
- Exposes hackers hiding in plain sight
- Fight ransomware attacks
- Boosts your Microsoft Defender anti-virus
- Finds cybersecurity vulnerabilities that might become a risk in the future.
Norton
Norton is one of the most well-known anti-virus software for small businesses worldwide.
They were pioneers in keeping cyber threats at bay.
Norton has an array of security plans that aim to protect your privacy from viruses, malware, and identity theft.
The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is an ideal choice for small businesses looking for an affordable security package that offers 360-degree protection. This package can protect up to five devices, from computers to tablets and smartphones. It’s a very flexible package that does what you expect an anti-virus package would do and more.
Aside from anti-virus, anti-malware, anti-spyware, and ransomware protection, Norton 360 Deluxe also includes online threat protection, 50GB cloud storage backup, a firewall, a password manager, and parental controls. Although this package is not their fanciest, you’ll still get a bunch of advanced features that your data will thank you for.
AVG
AVG has been securing data, transactions, and identities since 1990.
They’re one of the first security software ever to launch on the market, and now they have a line of antivirus plans to protect not just personal devices and big corporations, but also small to medium-sized businesses.
The AVG anti-virus software is a straightforward yet powerful tool.
Their best anti-virus package for small businesses is the AVG AntiVirus Business Edition. This package contains the usual anti-virus and ransomware protection with new features, such as:
- CyberCapture
- Linkscanner Surf-Shield
- Real-time virus detection
- Server Security
- File shredder
- Remote admin control
This package is perfect for businesses that need to take data security to the next level. AVG boasts a simple interface easy for non-technical users to understand and interact with. Although it may look user-friendly, it’s a powerful all-around tool that can protect your data from monitoring threats to rectify them.
McAfee
McAfee is one of the most well-known anti-virus software for small businesses and personal computers worldwide.
It offers all-in-one protection to your data so you can freely surf online without worry. The McAfee Total Protection package includes its high-end anti-virus, VPN, safe internet browsing, password manager, file shredder, web protection, and more.
McAfee protects your data with automated features and security experts. With the McAfee Total Protection package, your business will be able to work safely, whether on-site or remote. This package includes real-time cloud protection that monitors your accounts and enables VPN whenever you visit unsafe websites.
Knowing how safe you are is essential in maintaining a secure online experience.
The Protection Score that comes along with the Total Protection package shows your overall security health and provides instructions on improving your security. Proactive solutions are a significant factor in maintaining data safety.
Luckily, McAfee provides tools that with artificial intelligence and more.
So, which is the best anti-virus for small businesses?
There’s a lot of anti-virus software for small businesses on the market.
The key here is to decipher which one would serve the best purpose and fit your IT objectives.
Remember that there’s more to cyber security aside from having anti-virus software.
It’s only the first step.
It literally takes a whole business to protect your data from cybercriminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between personal and business antivirus?
A personal antivirus focuses on protecting an individual user's personal computer, smartphone, or tablet from various cyber threats. It safeguards personal data, prevents malware from infecting the device, and ensures a safe browsing experience.
In contrast, business antivirus offers more comprehensive protection, including monitoring multiple devices across various locations, centralised system management, network-wide threat detection, and integration with other security tools.
Is paid anti virus better than free?
While there are free antivirus software options available for small businesses and individual users, investing in a paid antivirus program typically provides a more comprehensive security solution. Paid versions often include advanced features like real-time threat detection, automatic updates, and customer support, which can enhance your defences against cyber threats. If your online activities consistently involve sensitive transactions or handling confidential data, opting for paid antivirus software will offer more reliable and extensive protection.
Is antivirus 100% effective?
No antivirus software can guarantee 100% protection against all cyber threats. It's important to recognise that no cybersecurity measure is entirely foolproof. However, you can maximise your protection by adopting a multi-layered security approach that includes various tools and strategies to strengthen your defences and minimise vulnerabilities.
Can an antivirus stop hackers?
An antivirus alone cannot stop hackers. However, when used in conjunction with firewalls, antivirus software can create a robust defence that helps prevent both hackers and malware from accessing your computer. These tools, along with other cybersecurity measures, work together to monitor and block suspicious activities to ensure your system remains secure and your confidential data stays private. When selecting antivirus software, choose one that provides multiple layers of protection capable of detecting hacking attempts and neutralising malware, viruses, and other cyber threats.
What happens if I don't use antivirus?
Not using an antivirus on your small business computers can expose your data to numerous risks. Malware can infiltrate your systems and cause significant damage once it gains access. When malware infects your computer, it can steal sensitive information, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or even ransom situations. In some cases, malware can delete your data, resulting in irreversible loss of critical information—whether it pertains to business, school, or personal use.
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