Top 9 Antivirus Software For Small Businesses
Discover the top best antivirus software solutions to protect your network's endpoints. Explore features such as cloud-based anti-malware, firewalls, and patch management.
Written by
Caitlin Harris
Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Quick Summary
For SMBs that need lightweight, reliable protection across mixed OS environments, ESET Endpoint Security delivers strong detection without dragging down endpoint performance. It covers Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android from a single console.
If you want AI-driven detection with ransomware recovery built in, Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security catches zero-day threats with high accuracy and recovers encrypted files after an attack.
For MSPs managing multiple client environments, Datto Antivirus integrates tightly with Datto EDR, backup, and endpoint management, giving you a single stack for detection, response, and recovery.
Choosing the right antivirus for your small business is harder than most vendors make it sound. The threat landscape keeps evolving—ransomware, fileless attacks, supply chain compromises—but many SMBs treat antivirus as a set-it-and-forget-it checkbox. That approach works until it doesn’t.
The real challenge isn’t finding an antivirus tool. It’s finding one that catches advanced threats without dragging down your endpoints, integrates with the tools you already use, and doesn’t require a dedicated security team to manage. You need something that scales from 5 users to 500 without breaking your budget or adding complexity to IT operations.
We evaluated 9 antivirus solutions built for SMBs, evaluating each for threat detection accuracy, system performance impact, ease of deployment, console usability, and integration with other security tools. We also reviewed customer feedback and real-world deployment experiences to understand where vendor promises meet operational reality. What we found: the gap between lightweight and effective is smaller than it used to be, but some solutions still make that trade-off more obvious than others.
This guide gives you the testing insights and decision framework to match the right antivirus solution to your specific environment, team size, and security requirements.
Our Recommendations
Your decision hinges on platform scope and operational requirements.
- Best For Lightweight Mixed-OS Protection: ESET Endpoint Security delivers strong detection with minimal performance impact across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android from a single console.
- Best For AI-Driven Ransomware Defense: Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security catches zero-day threats with high accuracy and recovers encrypted files after an attack.
- Best For MSP-Managed Environments: Datto Antivirus integrates tightly with Datto EDR, backup, and endpoint management in one unified stack.
- Best For Granular Scan Control: Heimdal Next-Gen Endpoint Antivirus offers scan scheduling down to the minute with behavioral analytics and built-in mobile device management.
- Best For Microsoft-Centric Organizations: Microsoft Defender integrates natively with M365 and Intune, making deployment and policy management frictionless for Windows-heavy environments.
- Best For Small Teams Under 20 Devices: Norton Small Business bundles antivirus, firewall, VPN, and password manager with fast cloud deployment and minimal setup overhead.
- Best For Set-and-Forget Protection: Sophos Intercept X uses deep learning AI to catch ransomware and exploits before execution, with optional managed threat response for lean security teams.
- Best For All-in-One SMB Security: Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security bundles endpoint, web, and email protection into a single cloud-managed platform with automatic updates.
- Best For Automated Patch Management: WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection pairs AI-driven detection with automated patching and scales from 20 to over 1,000 devices.
ESET Endpoint Security is a cloud-managed endpoint protection platform built for SMBs that need solid threat detection without the performance hit. It covers Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android from a single console, with a focus on staying light on system resources while catchingadvanced threats.
Lightweight Protection That Actually Stays Quiet
We found ESET’s low system footprint is its standout feature. The agent uses machine learning alongside behavioral analysis to catch ransomware and fileless attacks without dragging down endpoint performance. Web browser protection blocks malicious downloads, and admins get URL filtering controls.
The cloud console manages endpoints across all supported operating systems, including mobile device management for iOS and Android. Multi-language support across 21 languages makes it practical for distributed teams. Automatic updates keep signatures current without admin intervention.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say the lightweight agent is a real differentiator compared to heavier competitors. IT managers highlight remote monitoring across global endpoints as a practical daily win. Multi-device licensing flexibility also gets positive marks.
Some customers flag that third-party integration is limited, particularly with firewalls and network security tools.
Best Fit for Lean it Teams Running Mixed Fleets
We think ESET fits best if your team runs a mixed OS environment and needs protection that stays out of the way. It pairs well with a SIEM or MDR layer for broader detection coverage.
Strengths
- Minimal performance impact keeps endpoints running at full speed during scans.
- Single console manages Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile from one place.
- Behavioral detection catches ransomware and fileless attacks through app monitoring.
- 21-language support makes it practical for internationally distributed workforces.
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that initial setup has caused friction for some teams, particularly first-time users
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security
Bitdefender GravityZone Small Business Security is an AI-driven endpoint protection platform built for small organizations that want strong detection without enterprise complexity. It covers Windows, Mac, and Linux from a cloud console, with modular add-ons that scale as yourneeds grow.
AI Detection With a Recovery Safety Net
We found GravityZone\’s detection engine strong. It layers machine learning with behavioral analysis to catch malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. Cloud-shared threat intelligence speeds response times across your fleet.
Ransomware Mitigation is the standout feature. It recovers encrypted files after an attack, a safety net most SMB tools skip. Fileless malware prevention works pre-execution. The dashboard tracks incidents and organization-wide risk scores, and modular add-ons let you expand coverage over time.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say deployment is straightforward and the agents run light on most systems. The web filtering catches greyware that slips past other tools, and centralized management makes multi-device oversight simple.
Some users flag the console interface as dated, particularly for EDR event views.
Strong Foundation for Growing Security Programs
We think GravityZone is a smart pick if your organization needs strong detection now with room to add capabilities later. The modular approach means you’re not paying for features you don’t need yet.
Strengths
- AI-driven detection catches zero-day threats and ransomware with high accuracy rates.
- Ransomware Mitigation recovers encrypted files, adding a post-attack safety net.
- Modular add-ons let you expand capabilities without switching platforms.
- Web filtering blocks greyware that other endpoint tools often miss.
Cautions
- Console interface feels dated, especially EDR event views and search functionality
- Some users report that the false positive rate requires ongoing tuning to avoid alert fatigue
Datto Antivirus
Datto Antivirus is a next-generation endpoint protection platform purpose-built for MSPs and the SMBs they manage. Now part of Kaseya, it pairs AI-driven threat detection with tight integration into Datto\’s broader endpoint management and backup suite.
Built for the MSP Workflow
We found the real value here is ecosystem, not just antivirus. Datto connects endpoint protection directly into EDR, unified endpoint management, and endpoint backup. For MSPs already in the Datto stack, that\’s a single pane across detection, response, and recovery.
The detection engine uses AI and machine learning to handle both known and unknown threats in real time.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say the real-time monitoring and automated response features make a measurable difference to their security posture. MSP owners highlight improved visibility across client networks and streamlined threat detection workflows.
Some users note that the interface could be more intuitive.
A Natural Fit Inside the Datto Ecosystem
We think Datto Antivirus makes the most sense if your MSP already runs Datto tools. The integration across endpoint management, EDR, and backup creates operational efficiency that standalone antivirus products don’t match.
Strengths
- Tight integration with Datto EDR, backup, and endpoint management in one stack.
- Lightweight agent deploys easily across diverse MSP client environments.
- AI-driven detection reduces false positives while catching unknown threats in real time.
- Admin dashboard quarantines risks quickly with cloud threat intelligence backing it.
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that the console interface is clunky, with some sections reported as broken or unclear
- According to customer feedback, value drops significantly if you are not already in the Datto ecosystem
Heimdal Next-Gen Endpoint Antivirus
Heimdal Next-Gen Endpoint Antivirus is a Copenhagen-based endpoint protection platform aimed at SMBs that want granular control over scanning and threat response. It pairs behavioral analytics with sandboxing and includes mobile device management for organizationsmanaging mixed fleets.
Granular Scanning on Your Schedule
We found the customizable scan scheduling a real differentiator. You set scanning frequency down to the minute, not just daily or weekly. Behavioral analytics detect code changes post-delivery, catching threats that signature-based tools miss. Suspicious URLs get blocked with alerts queued for IT review.
Sandboxing and backdoor inspection let your team analyze files safely before they reach endpoints. The unified dashboard provides network-wide visibility, and built-in MDM adds remote wipe, lock, and location tracking for mobile devices. We saw this as a practical bundle for teams managing both endpoints and mobile.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say setup is straightforward and highlight the malicious URL blocking as a practical daily safety net. Support gets strong marks, with users noting responsive end-to-end assistance. Enterprise teams in healthcare and services report it scales well across large environments.
Available customer feedback skews positive but lacks depth on long-term operational challenges.
Worth a Look if Scan Control Matters to You
We think Heimdal fits best if your organization needs fine-grained control over scan schedules and wants MDM bundled into endpoint protection. The behavioral analytics and sandboxing add detection layers that justify evaluation against better-known competitors.
Strengths
- Scan scheduling down to the minute gives teams precise control over detection cadence.
- Sandboxing and backdoor inspection let you analyze suspicious files before they execute.
- Built-in MDM adds remote wipe, lock, and tracking without a separate tool.
- Behavioral analytics catch post-delivery code changes that signature scanning misses.
Cautions
- Limited independent customer feedback makes long-term operational issues harder to assess
- Some users mention that pricing requires direct vendor contact with no published tiers for quick comparison
Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender is an endpoint protection platform that spans Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android with AI-powered threat detection, vulnerability management, and automated response. If your organization already runs Microsoft 365, Defender is the path of least resistance forendpoint security.
The Microsoft Stack Advantage
We found Defender\’s strength is consolidation. It bundles antivirus, phishing detection, vulnerability management, and automated remediation into a single platform tied to your existing Microsoft licensing. For Intune-managed fleets, deployment and policy management are straightforward out of the box.
AI-powered detection handles both known and emerging malware.
Strong on Windows, Uneven Everywhere Else
Customers say Defender excels at stopping common threats and providing deep endpoint visibility, particularly on Windows. Teams running it for years report strong malware detection and reliable attack surface reduction rules. Integration with Intune-managed environments gets consistently positive feedback.
The recurring criticism is feature parity across operating systems.
The Default Choice for Microsoft Shops
We think Defender is the obvious starting point if your organization is already invested in Microsoft 365 and Intune. The licensing overlap, native integration, and consolidated management make it hard to justify a separate endpoint tool for Windows-heavy environments.
Strengths
- Native M365 and Intune integration makes deployment and policy management frictionless.
- Consolidates antivirus, phishing detection, and vulnerability management under existing licensing.
- Automated detection and remediation reduces manual incident response workload.
- Deep endpoint visibility and attack surface reduction rules on Windows environments.
Cautions
- Some customer reviews note that feature parity across macOS, Linux, and Android lags behind Windows capabilities
- According to customer feedback, policy tuning for non-standard scenarios can require extended Microsoft support cycles
Norton Small Business
Norton Small Business is a cloud-managed endpoint protection platform covering up to 20 devices across PC, Mac, iOS, and Android. Evolved from Symantec\’s Endpoint Protection lineage, it targets small teams that want solid antivirus with minimal setup overhead.
Quick Deployment for Small, Distributed Teams
We found Norton\’s cloud-based deployment its biggest operational win. Adding new devices is fast, and the admin console handles remote management without requiring on-site access. Real-time detection covers malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits, with threats organized by reputation and behavior scoring for faster triage.
The platform warns users before risky downloads and flags suspicious links proactively. It bundles a firewall, secure VPN, and password manager alongside core antivirus. We saw this as a practical all-in-one package for small teams that don\’t want to stitch together separate security tools.
Easy to Run, Harder to Justify on Price
Customers say onboarding is fast and the day-to-day experience stays simple. Users highlight consistent background scanning and the bundled security features as practical for small operations. Support gets reasonable marks for accessibility.
Pricing is the most common concern. Some users feel the cost runs high relative to competitors offering similar coverage. A few customers note memory usage can slow down systems, and macOS users flag the lack of cloud backup support for their platform.
Solid Starter Protection With a 20-Device Ceiling
We think Norton Small Business works well if your team is under 20 devices and you want one platform covering antivirus, VPN, and password management without complex configuration. The setup speed and remote management suit distributed small teams.
Strengths
- Cloud deployment gets new devices protected fast with minimal admin effort.
- Bundles antivirus, firewall, VPN, and password manager in a single platform.
- Reputation and behavior scoring speeds up threat triage for small IT teams.
- Cross-platform coverage spans PC, Mac, iOS, and Android from one console.
Cautions
- 20-device limit creates a hard ceiling for growing organizations
- Some users report that pricing runs higher than some competitors with comparable feature sets
Sophos Intercept X
Sophos Intercept X is a cloud-based endpoint protection platform that uses deep learning AI to predict and block threats across desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. It scales from SMBs to enterprises, with everything managed through the Sophos Central console.
Deep Learning Detection With Managed Response
We found Intercept X\’s AI detection engine strong on both known and unknown threats, with particular depth in ransomware protection and exploit prevention. The deep learning model flags behavioral anomalies before they execute, and synchronized security shares threat data across connected devices in real time.
The managed threat response option adds Sophos analysts who assess and neutralize incidents on your behalf. Sophos Central consolidates endpoint, firewall, and email gateway management into one console. We saw device isolation during active threats as a practical containment feature, cutting off command and control communication while keeping the Sophos connection alive.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say Intercept X runs quietly after deployment with minimal hands-on management. Users highlight low false positive rates and easy exception handling when detections do occur. Endpoint agents self-update reliably without falling behind on versions.
Some users flag that the console navigation can feel vague when hunting for specific settings.
A Set-and-Forget Option With Room to Scale
We think Intercept X is a strong fit if your organization wants reliable endpoint protection that doesn’t demand constant attention. The managed threat response tier adds value for teams without dedicated security analysts monitoring around the clock.
Strengths
- Deep learning AI catches ransomware and exploits before execution with low false positives.
- Device isolation during threats blocks lateral movement while maintaining management access.
- Managed threat response adds analyst-led incident handling for lean security teams.
- Sophos Central unifies endpoint, firewall, and email security in one console.
Cautions
- Some users have noted that console navigation is unclear in places, requiring documentation to find specific settings
- Based on customer feedback, support response times can stretch during complex incidents
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security bundles endpoint, web, and email protection into a single cloud-managed platform for small businesses. It covers desktops, laptops, and mobile devices with machine learning detection and automatic updates.
All-in-One Protection Without the Complexity
We found the bundled approach is the core value here. Endpoint, web filtering, and email protection ship together, so small teams avoid stitching separate products. Machine learning and behavioral analysis handle both binary and scripted threats, with strong anti-phishing and exploit detection layered in.
The online console supports remote management with automatic updates pushed from the server side. Policy creation is straightforward, and device grouping lets you assign different scan intensities based on risk profile. We saw the integration path into Trend Micro\’s broader security suite as an upgrade option for teams that outgrow the base package.
Reliable Daily Driver, Resource Hungry at Times
Customers say the platform catches threats consistently and the dashboard is easy to navigate. IT managers highlight proactive monitoring features and the ability to group devices by scanning intensity. Support gets strong marks for responsiveness when issues arise.
Resource consumption during scans and updates is the recurring complaint. Users note CPU and memory spikes, though scheduling scans outside business hours helps. Some customers report false positives blocking legitimate software, and a few flag that heavily cloaked threats occasionally require supplementary cleanup tools.
A Practical Bundle for Small Teams Keeping It Simple
We think Worry-Free fits best if your small business wants endpoint, web, and email security managed from one place without dedicated security staff. The all-in-one approach removes procurement complexity for teams that just need coverage that works.
Strengths
- Bundles endpoint, web, and email protection so small teams avoid managing multiple tools.
- Server-side updates and patches propagate automatically without manual endpoint intervention.
- Device grouping lets admins assign targeted scan intensity based on risk level.
- Integrates into Trend Micro's broader suite for teams ready to expand coverage.
Cautions
- Scans and updates consume noticeable CPU and memory on lower-spec machines
- Some customer reviews flag that false positives occasionally block legitimate software, requiring manual exception handling
WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection
WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection, formerly under the F-Secure brand, is a cloud-based endpoint security platform for SMBs running Windows, macOS, and Linux. It pairs AI-driven detection with automated patch management and scales from 20 to over 1,000 devices.
Patch Management That Pulls Its Weight
We found the automated patch management a standout. WithSecure claims it prevents 80% of attacks that exploit OS vulnerabilities, and patching runs without admin intervention. AI detection targets script-based exploits specifically, with crowd-sourced threat intelligence strengthening zero-day prevention.
Anti-phishing and browsing protection come standard. Optional premium features add application control, endpoint encryption, and dedicated ransomware defense. The broader Elements platform bundles EDR, vulnerability management, and Microsoft 365 protection. We saw this modular approach as practical for teams that want to start lean and expand.
Trusted by Security Teams, Light on Admin Overhead
Customers say the platform is easy to set up and requires minimal ongoing administration. Security managers in banking and energy highlight the detection quality and the depth of incident reporting from WithSecure\’s engineering team. Long-term customers describe the vendor as a reliable partner over multi-year engagements.
Some users note the platform doesn\’t cover every layer of network visibility, so teams with full-stack monitoring requirements may need to supplement it. Customer feedback skews toward the broader Elements and MDR services rather than standalone endpoint protection, which limits specific insight into the antivirus-only experience.
A Quiet Performer for Mixed OS Environments
We think WithSecure fits well if your organization runs a mixed device fleet and wants automated patching built into endpoint protection. The modular upgrade path to EDR and vulnerability management keeps future options open without forcing a platform switch.
Strengths
- Automated patch management closes OS vulnerabilities without admin intervention.
- AI detection targets script-based exploits with crowd-sourced zero-day intelligence.
- Modular upgrade path to EDR, vulnerability management, and M365 protection.
- Scales from 20 to over 1,000 devices from a single management console.
Cautions
- Based on customer reviews, network visibility gaps mean teams with full-stack monitoring needs may require supplements
- Some users note that limited standalone endpoint feedback makes it harder to evaluate without the broader Elements context
Other Endpoint Security Services
Multi-layered protection with firewall, VPN, and email security.
Antivirus with real-time protection and ransomware defense for small teams.
Cloud-managed antivirus with web filtering and device control.
What To Look For: Checklist
When evaluating solutions, consider these essential criteria:
Threat Detection Accuracy
Does it catch ransomware, fileless attacks, and polymorphic malware? How does it perform against zero-day threats? What’s the false positive rate?
System Performance Impact
How much CPU and memory does the agent consume during scans and real-time protection? Does it slow down application launch times?
Real-Time Protection Effectiveness
Does it monitor file execution, registry changes, and network behavior in real time? Can you tune sensitivity without disabling critical checks?
Deployment and Updates
Can you deploy across multiple endpoints centrally? How are signature and engine updates delivered? Do updates require restarts?
Console Usability
Can a single admin manage hundreds of endpoints without overwhelming complexity? Are reporting and visibility clear?
Integration With Other Tools
Does it integrate with your SIEM, backup tools, or network security appliances? Can it export logs for centralized monitoring?
Quarantine and Recovery
How does it handle infected files? Can admins restore quarantined files safely? Does it provide rollback for suspicious changes?
Support Quality
Is support available 24/7? For critical issues, do you get direct technical help or documentation links?
How We Compared The Best Antivirus Software For Small Businesses
Expert Insights is an independent editorial team that researches, tests, and reviews cybersecurity and endpoint protection solutions. No vendor can pay to influence our review of their products. Before testing, we map the full vendor landscape for SMB antivirus, identifying all active vendors from established leaders to newer market entrants. We evaluated 9 antivirus platforms covering threat detection accuracy, system performance impact, console usability, deployment flexibility, and integration with other security tools. Each product was deployed in controlled SMB environments with mixed operating systems and real-world workload patterns. Beyond hands-on testing, we conducted market research and reviewed customer feedback to validate vendor claims against actual deployment experiences. Our editorial and commercial teams operate independently. This guide is updated quarterly.
For full details on our evaluation process, visit our How We Test & Review Products.
The Bottom Line
Antivirus is table stakes for SMBs.
FAQs
Everything You Need To Know About Antivirus For Small Business (FAQs)
The importance of protecting endpoints has perhaps never been as critical as it is now. In today’s world, an increasing number of employees are working from home either temporarily or permanently, using their own devices rather than office computers. If a user syncs their work emails with their personal cell phone, that device then becomes another endpoint though which a bad actor could gain access to the network. This means that we need to implement endpoint protection that‘s flexible, as well as powerful, in order to keep our devices and users safe.
Endpoint protection is the process of securing endpoints, or end-user devices, that are remotely connected to an organization’s network. Endpoints serve as access points to the network, and these access points can be exploited by bad actors to steal data. Keeping endpoints protected secures all of these entry points from malicious attacks.
Antivirus software is a type of endpoint protection that secures individual endpoints by detecting and blocking malicious files. Today, most antivirus software is hosted largely or even entirely in the cloud. This means that vendors can utilize advanced machine learning technology to automate analytics, which greatly improves detection rates. It also means that solutions can crowdsource intelligence from across a network of protected devices, providing protection against unknown and zero-day exploits. If a threat is detected on one system, all others are made aware of it. However, as antivirus software has become more sophisticated, so have malware attacks.
Antivirus software scans the files, applications, and programs on each device that it’s installed on, and compares the code of each of these assets with a database of known malicious code. If a piece of code on the device matches that of a known virus, the antivirus solution quarantines or permanently removes it.
Quarantining files moves them to a specific location where they can’t harm your user’s device or spread to the rest of your network, but it means that the antivirus provider can analyze the threat and update their software so that it can block similar threats in the future. This intelligence is then crowdsourced across the entire fleet of devices that the antivirus provider is protecting—not just those in your organization, but in others, too. This means that if a threat is detected on one device, all others protected by that provider are alerted to it. This crowdsourced intelligence helps to protect against unknown and zero-day threats, as well as the known threats stored in the provider’s database.
The best antivirus software for small business owners also uses machine learning to continuously analyze your environment and any threats that are identified, so that it can keep improving its detection rate. Many of the top antivirus programs will also include a built-in password manager and cloud backup, and may offer both free and paid versions, with the option of a free trial.
Because antivirus software protects the individual devices connected to a network, it’s best suited to smaller organizations that don’t have a large or complex device fleet to protect. This is because, the more devices you have, the more time-consuming the task of deploying the software and updating it will be. For that reason, we recommend that larger organizations instead consider implementing an endpoint protection platform (EPP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution as an alternative.
Antivirus software is one of many pieces of online management platform solutions designed to help businesses build and manage their presence online. Strong antivirus software is absolutely crucial when it comes to protecting the devices connected to your network as it provides the right protection against viruses, malware and often also phishing attacks, which all have the potential to destroy a device’s system by infecting processes crucial to the computer’s performance. This protection also prevents identity theft via spyware, which secretly monitors what you do on your computer via real-time scanning and sends sensitive information to the hacker. However, anti-virus solutions often do much more than protect your system from file-based malware.
Any strong antivirus software will include a firewall feature that filters information coming into your system and digital assets via the internet. This means that your endpoint is protected against online threats, spam sited and pop-up ads. Integrated browser controls mean that administrators can block potentially dangerous websites, which helps with customer data protection, business devices, personal devices, the business network etc. It can also create a more efficient workplace, and is particularly useful in the education industry, where users are more vulnerable to both exploits and distractions.
The best business antivirus software doesn’t just protect office desktops—sophisticated solutions will be able to provide advanced threat detection to laptops and mobile devices, too. This is particularly beneficial for companies whose employees work remotely and require strong antivirus protection on the go. Whether an employee does all of their work on their personal laptop, or just syncs their work emails to their personal mobile phone, these devices become connected to your network and, if compromised, provide an “in” for hackers, causing data breaches and business network compromise. Antivirus software helps to prevent this, as well as any resulting finacial lossess or reputation damage. This flexible compatibility usually comes with additional features such as a remote management console, which means that admins can manage all of their employees’ devices, regardless of geographic location or device type, to make sure that they’re installing the latest security updates.
Finally, lightweight antivirus software can help make your system run faster. Malware and viruses often cause your machine to become slow and sluggish as important performance processes are corrupted. In blocking these infections, antivirus software leaves your system clean and able to run efficiently. However, some antivirus software may slow the device when running scans. If this happens, users can go into the software’s settings and configure it to scan at a time when the device isn’t in use. This feature isn’t always available with free antivirus, so it makes it worth your while to invest in a business-grade solution.
For business use, organizations should weigh up their individual needs before initial purchase. Antivirus software can be a powerful line of defense for an SMB, but it’s important that you choose a solution that’s going to offer strong protection, balanced with usability. To help you do that, here’s our list of the key features you should consider when choosing a business antivirus software:
- Automatic and manual scanning. The best antivirus software for SMBs allows you to schedule scans to be completed automatically at a time when they’ll cause the least disruption to your users. However, you should also be able to instigate scans manually as needed.
- Web filtering. Your chosen antivirus solution should include a web filter that allows you to restrict user access to harmful websites through allow and deny lists and will help to block spam and pop-up ads.
- URL scanning and attachment sandboxing. Phishing is one of the most prevalent threats that organizations today are facing. To help combat it, your antivirus software should scan emails for malicious URLs and open an attachments in a secure sandbox environment, where they can’t affect your user’s device.
- Automatic updates. Your solution should automatically update itself and deploy any necessary third-party patches. Not all employees will keep their software up to date (we’ve all hit “Restart Later” once or twice), so your antivirus solution should be able to do it for them.
- Straightforward deployment. Business antivirus software must be installed on every individual endpoint, so you need to make sure that this process is quick and easy to carry out—especially if you have lots of devices to protect.
- Efficient resource consumption. Antivirus software is supposed to improve performance by removing viruses and malware that can cause machines to become sluggish; however, some solutions use a lot of system resources and can cause devices to slow down when they run scans. If you can’t find a solution that’s lightweight, you need to make sure that you can schedule scans for a time when your users aren’t using their devices.
Antivirus software protects against ransomware in several ways:
- Real-time scanning: Continuously monitors files and processes for suspicious activity that may indicate a ransomware attack.
- Behavioral analysis: Detects ransomware by analyzing how programs behave, even if the ransomware is not yet known.
- Signature detection: Identifies known ransomware strains by comparing files against a database of known malware signatures.
- Sandboxing: Executes suspicious files in an isolated environment to observe their behavior without risking the system.
- Exploit prevention: Blocks the techniques that ransomware uses to exploit vulnerabilities in software.
- Data backup and recovery: Some antivirus solutions include backup and recovery features to help restore files encrypted by ransomware.
Antivirus software should be updated regularly, and here’s why:
- Daily signature updates: Antivirus software relies on a database of known malware signatures to identify threats. This database needs to be updated daily to protect against the latest malware.
- Software updates: The antivirus software itself should also be updated regularly to ensure it has the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.
- Automatic updates: Most antivirus software offers automatic updates, which is the best way to ensure that the software is always up to date.
Written By
Caitlin Harris is the Deputy Head of Content at Expert Insights. As an experienced content writer and editor, Caitlin helps cybersecurity leaders to cut through the noise in the cybersecurity space with expert analysis and insightful recommendations.
Prior to Expert Insights, Caitlin worked at QA Ltd, where she produced award-winning technical training materials, and she has also produced journalistic content over the course of her career.
Caitlin has 8 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology space, helping technical teams, CISOs, and security professionals find clarity on complex, mission critical topics like security awareness training, backup and recovery, and endpoint protection.
Caitlin also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted.
Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davies, formerly J2Global (NASQAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.