As a business that maintains its cyber tools, keeping those assets safe is incredibly important.
Many business owners believe they won't get hacked because they don't have anything valuable to hide, but this is a common misconception.
For starters, your computers store tons of information that hackers would find valuable - personal data, credit card information, and even bank routing numbers. As such, a data breach involving ransomware or spyware can jeopardize your customer's trust in your business and shatter years of hard work along the way.
Additionally, hackers don't "choose" who they are going to target. They cast an extensive net through phishing and trojan methods. When a website or computer system displays vulnerability, hackers extract what they can to see how valuable the information is.
If you're still not convinced, a recent Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report found 58% of cybercrime victims in 2018 were small businesses.
Overall, using antivirus software for malware protection is essential in today's world as having a desk and chair for each employee.
Understanding Your Business' Antivirus Needs
So maintaining a secure computing system is essential for your business's long-term stability, but how much security is enough?
Many small businesses use the antivirus software that comes with their computer setup. This practice isn't necessarily good or bad - what's most important is you ensure you are optimized for the way you are doing business. That means asking the right questions about your business and maintaining a cybersecurity network that protects you effectively.
Before you start screening antivirus software for your business, make sure you know what you need. Here are some of the critical factors you should pay attention to so you choose the best product for your business:
Budget
Many small businesses base their decision-making primarily on budget possibilities. If your budget is constrained, many products offer free antivirus software for trial periods. You can use these free trials to try a few different products to see which will be the best fit while saving some money.
Additionally, some software such as Avast offers free versions of their software indefinitely. While this seems excellent, free versions often lack the comprehensiveness needed to secure a small business. We recommend you try a few free options out, but consider the investment in your security a necessity at some point.
Features
Almost every product should provide Firewalls, Virus Detection & Removal, Real-Time Detection, Spam & Malware Detection, and give your account a control center.
Some software offers additional features on top of their web security. A password manager often accompanies Norton tools; others use digital file shredders to ensure sensitive information is discarded appropriately.
It would be best to consider using a product that includes a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for more privacy. VPNs keep your employee web surfing anonymous, adding further protection to your IP address.
Also, if your company uses mobile devices such as an android tablet or conference room iPads, those need to be secure. Not all antivirus products extend to mobile, so keep this in mind if it applies to your business.
Compatibility
Hackers don't discriminate against mac ios or Windows PC, so you'll need to get total security software either way. While most products will be compatible with nearly any operating system, some are more niche.
Ensure your implementation will go smoothly by checking the operations system.
Best Antivirus Products for Internet Security in 2021
McAfee Small Business Security
Pros
- User Friendly
- VPN Included
- Password manager
- Encrypted storage
Cons
- No central interface
- Limited to 10 devices
McAfee's small business protection begins at only $94.99/year, making it an appealing choice for many small businesses strapped for cash. This product offers trusted virus security across multiple devices - including mobile - and comes with a few other quality of life features.
Norton Small Business
Pros
- Web portal
- Reasonable Price
- Virus removal guarantee
Cons
- Some features depend on the device
- Doesn't scale to large companies well
Norton Small Business is an excellent option for any small business that needs to get started. Beginning at just $99/year, this product spans across mobile devices, includes 24/7 customer support, and accomplishes about everything you'll need from a security perspective.
If your business grows beyond 20 devices, you may need to look into other options. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with this one.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus or GravityZone Business Security
Pros
- Centralized control console
- Tons of customization and control options
- Rollback feature
Cons
- Some advanced features aren't user friendly
For small businesses, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers a lightweight yet comprehensive security suite. However, larger companies who need a new antivirus software should consider GravityZone Business Security.
Other Brands Worth Considering
Antivirus protection is a very competitive market, which means there are plenty of options available to you as the buyer. You should still consider other brands even if they do not appear on this page.
Companies like Avast, Kaspersky, and Webroot offer excellent small business packages as well. What is most important for your company is choosing a security system that matches your needs and budget. Otherwise, you can trust the most well-known antivirus names on the market.