Business antivirus programs typically scan computers for malware by comparing file code against a list of known virus “signatures.” It also uses behavior-based detection to identify malicious activity and isolate and remove it.
Businesses of all sizes need comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. They can protect against malware using zero-trust architecture (ZTA), firewalls, intrusion-detection systems, and strong password policies.
Multi-Device Protection
A good antivirus program protects your business from malware, spyware, ransomware, and other cyber threats that can damage your network systems, steal data or slow down devices. The best antivirus software for business uses signature and heuristic detection methods, allowing them to identify previously unnoticed viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Finding a business-grade antivirus solution that centralizes next-generation protection for all your Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops and laptops is important. This allows you to take a proactive rather than a reactive approach to cybersecurity. This will reduce the risk of breaches and malware attacks and give you control over all your endpoints. Look for an antivirus solution that integrates with other security tools, such as firewalls, proxies, and vulnerability scanners. This helps streamline your business’s security processes and minimizes the number of alerts you receive. This can help prevent alert fatigue, hamper employee productivity and negatively impact your organization’s security posture. It is also worth looking for an antivirus software provider that offers a free trial period.
Real-Time Protection
When your antivirus software is set to real-time protection, it will constantly scan all data that comes into your computer. This includes files you download, running programs, any pen drives inserted, websites and emails that are opened, and other activities. This feature is different from on-demand virus protection, which only runs when you specifically ask for a scan to be run.
It should also be able to perform a deep scan when needed, which can detect and eliminate even the most hidden viruses. This feature is a great way to protect your data and files from malicious software threats like ransomware, spyware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs.
To ensure that your business can operate at full capacity, protecting against malware and cyberattacks is crucial. For comprehensive protection, businesses should use a combination of cybersecurity tools, including anti-malware software, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, strong passwords, and multifactor authentication. For businesses that need more technical expertise on staff to establish and maintain these policies, a managed services provider can help.
Cloud-Based Protection
Antivirus software is a great starting point for securing your business, but more is needed. For comprehensive protection, your business needs a robust cybersecurity posture incorporating multiple tools, best practices, and architecture. Cybercriminals are continuously creating malware and spreading it at a breakneck pace. They are looking to steal sensitive information, wreak havoc and disrupt productivity, which is why it’s so important that businesses implement the right antivirus software. Look for solutions that have a cloud-native platform to secure your business endpoints. This includes a device management feature that can detect and secure mobile devices, a strong firewall to protect your network and prevent security threats from entering, powerful heuristics, intelligent outbound filtering, and a zero-day exploit detection system.
Automatic Updates
Updates are important to good cyber hygiene, and the best antivirus software will offer automatic updates. This feature will scan your device for viruses and install any available updates. This can eliminate software flaws that hackers use to access your data or take control of your system.
Antivirus software typically detects malware using signature detection, which compares files with a database of known malware types. This allows it to identify and quarantine any new or unknown viruses quickly. It will also perform regular full-system scans to remove any existing threats. Some programs include heuristic detection, which scans your computer for suspicious patterns or parts that hackers commonly use to ensure they’re not being missed. If your business stores sensitive data — from customer credit card information to intellectual property — you need an antivirus solution to detect and prevent these threats. Look for scalable solutions with cloud-based protection, real-time scanning, and automatic updates to keep your devices and data safe. You may also want to consider a solution with traffic encryption, which secures your data and ensures that only authorized users can read it.
Easy to Use
Antivirus software relies on a database of signatures, or digital footprints, to identify and remove malicious programs. As new viruses are discovered, they’re added to this database, which helps keep the antivirus program up-to-date. You must keep the antivirus software updated and configured to detect new threats.
The software should also be easy to install and manage. It should support centralized management, automatic updates, and remote access to make it easier for IT teams to handle antivirus deployment and maintenance. Additionally, it should be compatible with multiple operating systems and include features that suit the needs of your business, such as a password manager and VPN for secure browsing.
If you’re at a higher risk for malware attacks, consider opting for a more comprehensive protection suite that offers real-time scanning capabilities, safe banking, and shopping. Similarly, those using their computers primarily to browse unfamiliar websites and download files from untrusted sources may also want to consider comprehensive protection features.