Choosing the best antivirus software is proven to be difficult, with so many options available it’s tricky to know which is the right choice for your business. Today, antivirus software has become far more advanced with machine learning technology and provides numerous features, which can become quite overwhelming.

However, they are critical to have as each week we hear of yet another business suffering a security breach. And don’t think that your business is too small to be targeted by attackers. There are lots of different hacking groups with different motivations. Your business may very well be their next target.

Without a robust security solution, your business can become a magnetic attraction for intruders, so it’s time for you to invest in the best Antivirus software.

Most important things to consider when purchasing the best software antivirus

1. Malware Scans – Good antivirus software will protect your network from all kinds of malware not just viruses. With the help of Artificial intelligence (which most software now have), it should be able to recognise and detect a range of attacks, even the lesser-known types of malware. Layered protection is crucial as malware continues to grow more complex.
2. Email Scanning – Software now offers a wide range of features, and one that you should keep a lookout for is email scanning. A high number of attacks are coming from spam email which is becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. An email scan will alert you if a threat has been detected so that you and your employees don’t fall into the attacker’s trap.
3. Speed vs Performance – In the past antivirus software was often intrusive and slowed down devices. However, that is not the case today. Technology has advanced and now software runs quietly in the background. But it’s important to note that performance does outweigh speed so you need to ensure that you’re not compromising your business’s security for the sake of speed.
4. Compatibility – It may seem obvious but it can easily be overlooked. Ensure that your chosen software is able to protect all versions of every device in your network. Making a list of all the devices you want to protect and how your employees work (for example download files or browse the internet) will help you determine the best antivirus software that suits your business needs.

Top Antivirus Software for your business.

SentinelOne 

Not your typical anti-virus software since it takes a different approach called ‘endpoint security’ however it’s far more comprehensive since it protects and monitors all devices connected to your network. Rather than installing antivirus software and many other security solutions to all devices in your business, SentinelOne provides a single solution for them all. 

SentinelOne applies Artificial Intelligence to its method, this simply means that it’s able to detect any new or emerging threats. Cyber attacks are constantly changing and evolving, making it difficult to keep up. But SentinelOne will have you covered for all new types of attacks from malware to insider threats, making it a great antivirus replacement. But it doesn’t stop there, this security solution has many more benefits: 

• When a red flag is detected, SentinelOne disconnects the device from the network to prevent it from spreading. 
• It tracks and monitors behaviour and activity across the entire network. A highly impressive feature that most antivirus solutions won’t be able to give you. However, it’s very beneficial because it’s able to determine normal behaviour that helps to detect any malicious activity keeping your network secure.
• It’s able to restore the network to its preferred configuration and state after detecting and stopping a cyber attack, meaning that you and your team will be able to continue being productive. 

The benefits are great, but how does it test out in real-life situations? SentinelOne’s users are among the happiest. A short search on Google and you will find countless positive reviews proving SentinelOne’s efficiency. 

But some users have complained that they often forgot to manually update the system because it doesn’t do it automatically. And not updating your antivirus program could make your network vulnerable, so you would have to stay on top of this. 

Bitdefender 

A highly rated antivirus program that often comes up in the top 10 and is popular amongst many business owners. Bitdefender does not only offer excellent quality protection against viruses but also provides some extra impressive features such as: 

• VPN 
• Password management 
• Firewall 
• Internet and Web security 
• Mobile security 
• OneClick Optimizer (which helps to speed up your computer) 

However, some features are limited such as its free VPN only allows 200 MB of data transfer each day. It also has fewer features for Mac but that’s because macOS and iOS systems don’t need as many features since they are less vulnerable. But entry-level plans do only cover the Windows OS. 

Its modern approach of enhancing security with Artificial Intelligence makes it one of the best malware, ransomware, and phishing protection software. And its consistent high scores in both labs and real-life tests prove this. 

Some other great benefits include: 

• High-ranking real-time protection. Bitdefender will notify you immediately and respond appropriately when it detects a red flag
• It initiates automatic backups that enable it to restore your system in case any malicious changes occur 

GravityZone Business Security Packages 

• Business Security. – Entry-level package is a good choice for small businesses that are looking for something basic and affordable. You can choose between a cloud management console which is ideal if you or your employees work remotely. 
• Advanced Business Security. – Good for SMB’s as it provides more security features, such as mobile and email security, and is more reliable. This package also gives you a choice of cloud-based management.
• Elite Security. – A more advanced protection against high-level threats.

At Network & Security we help businesses with AV solutions to make sure they are fit for purpose, value for money and providing the best protection for your business.