The hackers demanded $50,000 to decrypt the files, but after making the payment, the business owner still couldn’t access the files, or rebuild the network. Six months later, the shop closed its doors for good. The story was highlighted in a Denver Post article from April 2016, which focused on the threat cyber-attacks pose to small businesses.
The article quotes the US National Cyber Security Alliance as stating that 60% of small businesses are unable to stay open 6 months after a cyber-attack and that small businesses are targeted by 62% of the around 4,000 cyber-attacks launched every day, according to IBM. While making sure employees don’t commit security errors (clicking on suspect links, downloading suspicious files) is the first step to keeping a business safe, installing top-notch security software for your business’ network is essential to staying safe.
McAfee Small Business Security is one of the leading security solutions on the market, and promises defense from cyberattacks large and small, at a time when such companies are being targeted more and more by hackers looking for easy prey.
Features
When McAfee Small Business Security was launched, the goal was to make managing security easier for small business that need to secure between 5-25 devices and are looking for an easy to set up system that McAfee says can be installed in less than 20 minutes with just 4 clicks.
1. Download the relevant files and save to your desktop
2. Read any warning messages and agree to changes
3. Restart computer after download
4. Install your antivirus software
The McAfee platform is for customers who “want comprehensive protection with fewer requirements around security monitoring and report generation”. In other words, customers who need firewall, email and web protection to protect desktops, laptops, Macs, and Android smartphones and tablets, without requiring the services of an IT technician.
The system allows you to manage business security by way of a centralized dashboard that is easily managed by way of the cloud. The system is run through a single management console in collaboration with McAfee Global Threat Intelligence system, and you can add or remove devices as needed through the console as needed.
In the event of an attack the system restricts access to folders in order to prevent further damage. It also prevents exploits and monitors the desktop firewall to stave off malicious traffic. McAfee touts the systems superior protection against viruses, data loss, risky apps, worms, and Trojans and threats both external (hackers) and internal (viruses). It blocks spam and dangerous emails from reaching employee inboxes and give you color-coded warnings about suspicious websites before they click.
The system can also remotely track, lock, or wipe any stolen iOs or Android device. It is compatible with Windows 8.1 (32 and 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 and 64 bit), Windows Vista SP1 (32 and 64 bit), Mac OX X 10.7 and higher, and Google Android smartphones and tablets 2.3 or higher.
Pricing
McAfee Small Business Security system charges $79.99 for a 1-year subscription, providing licensing for five devices. It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and virus removal service and tech support are included.
Flexibility and Ease of Use
Like other small business security platforms, McAfee SBS was designed for users who run businesses that don’t have large IT departments to handle security for them. These are very busy companies that simply cannot free up the man hours to run a complicated security situation, and for whom ease of use is of paramount importance.
McAfee SBS allows for users to set up the system in a matter of minutes and manage – either remotely or in-store – the number of devices hooked up to the networks and the security controls placed on them.
Benefits
McAfee Small Business Security gives you the freedom to decide whether or not to manage security by way of the cloud or with an on-site server. The fact that the platform runs in collaboration with McAfee Global Threat Intelligence system is a major benefit. This system is highly sophisticated and is constantly finding new threats and updating the overall McAfee product system in order to keep them one step ahead of the game. If you run into security issues while using the software, you can make use of the company’s 24/7 customer support.
Differentiation
McAfee Endpoint Protection Essential for SBS is more affordable than other McAfee security products and allows an ease and flexibility of use that sets it apart.
Reviews/Testimonials
While McAfee products often don’t score at the very top of the pack in terms of security performance, they are absolutely first-rate when it comes to customer service, affordability, and ease of use, and are programmed to respond to a wide variety of threats to your business.
Check out our in-depth review of the whole suite of McAfee software.
