Why Do I Need Antivirus Software for My Small Business?
Small businesses are among the biggest targets for hackers and thieves, and attacks can have devastating implications for organizations that choose not to employ antivirus software.
The impact of a cyber attack can cost up to $84,000 and causes 60% of small businesses to close within 6 months—but astonishingly, 90% of small businesses don’t use anything for company or customer data protection.
Modern antivirus software doesn’t just identify, remove, and protect against viruses that can cause computers to quit working. Virus threats have evolved, opening the door for more comprehensive and sophisticated malware and ransomware attacks that can hold your devices hostage and steal valuable private information. Without proper antivirus protection, small businesses can place the very foundations of their company in serious jeopardy.
What Should I Look for in Antivirus Software Tools?
Antivirus software tools for small businesses, first and foremost, should identify potential viruses, prevent viruses from spreading, remove viruses from infected machines, and protect machines from obtaining viruses in the first place.
But in the modern threat landscape, simple virus protection is not enough for a small business. Fortunately, many antivirus software solutions for small businesses include tools to prevent malware from spreading, keep users from accessing dangerous websites or opening malicious files, and secure private information through encryption.
1. The TotalAV Solution
Trusted by users around the globe, TotalAV is a comprehensive antivirus software suite for smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Optimized for ideal performance and battery life, TotalAV can help small businesses keep their devices secure without sacrificing power. Designed with memory, hard drive space, and startup times in mind, TotalAV won’t weigh down a system with slow background processes and junk files, ensuring antivirus protection doesn’t get in the way of running a small business.
The TotalAV antivirus engine contains the protection users have come to expect from a full-fledged security suite. Anti-malware, anti-spyware, anti-ransomware and anti-adware protections run with real-time protection, backed up by daily virus definition updates that keep your small business’ security up-to-date.
For small businesses, TotalAV’s additional paid features add powerful levels of security for workstations, web browsers, and multi-user access. The virtual private network (VPN) option can ensure devices safely and securely connect to wireless networks, incorporating encrypted browsing and web content restrictions to protect critical company data and prevent users from accessing malicious sites.
Additional security enhancements include Ad Block Pro capabilities, a secure password vault, and identity protection services to monitor personal information. TotalAV paid upgrades also offer professional versions of its Safe Site feature, which can automatically block URLs known to cause harm.
With robust virus protection, safe browsing capabilities, and powerful performance, TotalAV is a great option for small businesses looking to protect systems from malware, ransomware attacks, and phishing attempts.
2. The Norton Small Business Platform
One of the most recognizable names in digital security, Norton has been developing industry-leading antivirus software for nearly 30 years. Built using the same enterprise-level protections Fortune 500 companies have come to expect, Norton Small Business offers comprehensive security solutions for small businesses running 5 to 20 devices.
Norton Small Business incorporates standard security features like antivirus and malware protection, virus removal, and cloud backups.
Through a simple cloud-based interface, device protection can easily be deployed to computers, tablets, and smartphones used by small businesses. Using custom security profiles built for each and every device, Norton Small Business protects Macs, PCs, and iOS and Android devices from viruses, malware, and unauthorized access.
Norton Small Business also includes 24/7 security support for all users, ensuring lost or stolen devices can be reported and remotely locked around-the-clock. Certified Norton technicians are also available to diagnose technical issues by phone or chat at a moment’s notice.
As a trusted antivirus software developer with decades of experience, Norton Small Business is one of the best options for small businesses equipped with less than 20 devices, and for organizations who want the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive around-the-clock support.
3. Kaspersky Small Office Security
Kaspersky Lab offers a comprehensive suite of security features designed specifically for small businesses. In software licenses that cover up to 50 users, Kapersky’s award-winning security solutions protect computers, servers, and mobile devices while arming businesses with defenses against online attacks, financial fraud, and data loss.
Kaspersky Small Office Security includes all of the antivirus and security features businesses have come to expect, including anti-spam capabilities, vulnerability and patch management, file-level encryption, and threat protection for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. From ransomware to payment scams, Kaspersky Small Office Security ensures threats and attacks don’t get in the way of running a business.
The most appealing aspect of Kaspersky Small Office Security for small businesses is the software’s easy-to-use “install and forget” protection. The perfect choice for businesses without a dedicated IT administrator, the software provides comprehensive out-of-the-box security capabilities without the need for extensive configuration and setup. Ready to go in just 10 minutes, Kaspersky Small Office Security is ideal for small businesses that want to avoid the hassle and expense of hiring additional security professionals to manage critical infrastructure.
In addition to Kaspersky Small Office Security’s threat protection and ease-of-use, the suite also offers comprehensive web security that blocks suspicious downloads and attachments, filters out phishing attempts, and removes unsafe browsing extensions. With Kaspersky Password Manager, users can also securely store all of their private passwords and access from a computer, mobile device, or web browser, with only a single master password.
Thanks to its award-winning threat protection and effortless setup and management, Kaspersky Small Office Security is a great choice for small businesses with less than 50 employees.
Read the full Kaspersky review
Conclusion
When choosing the best antivirus solution for your small business, it’s important to consider the number of devices in use, how many employees you have, and the level of service and support you’ll need.
Take time to carefully evaluate your business’ needs, but remember: No matter which option you choose, any antivirus software is better than none.
