Antivirus software is a program that scans and removes harmful software like viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware from computers and networks. An antivirus software is mandatory for businesses, as it protects sensitive data and operations from various threats, including the most common ransomware and identity theft.
Here are 7 key features to look for in business antivirus software:
- Offers real-time monitoring and multi-layered security with ransomware protection.
- Comes with centralized management and minimal system impact.
- Meets legal standards and protects against internal and external threats like malicious software and phishing attacks.
- Provides cloud security and data backup solutions for potential breaches from cyberattacks.
- Adapts to business growth with reliable technical assistance and plans for business owners.
- Regular software and security updates with real-time scanning.
- Compatibility for various devices, including network and individual devices.
Geekflare has researched and listed the best business antivirus software based on factors like malware detection rate, performance impact, management type, etc.
- 1. Norton – Best for Multi-Layered Malware Protection
- 2. Kaspersky – Best for Real-Time Threat Detection
- 3. Avast – Best for Small to Medium Business Protection
- 4. Avira Prime – Best for Cloud-Based Scanning
- 5. Acronis Cyber Protect – Best for Cyber Protection with Backup Solutions
- 6. AVG AntiVirus Business Edition – Best for Simple, Reliable Security
- 7. Bitdefender GravityZone – Best for Comprehensive Enterprise Security
- 8. ESET – Best for Advanced Security Solutions
- 9. Malwarebytes – Best for Small and Home Offices
- 10. WatchGuard – Best for Network Security and Threat Management
- Show less
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Norton
Best for Multi-Layered Malware Protection
- Protection LevelReal-time Antivirus, Firewall
- Centralized ManagementYes
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Norton
Norton Small Business comes with a handy firewall that offers constant protection to all devices, including the network. Norton’s cloud backup adds a level of protection since critical business data can be stored in the cloud to save data during undesirable outcomes like ransomware or hardware failure.
Norton Small Business includes a private browser paired with dark web monitoring, which allows day-to-day online tasks to be performed securely with protection from malicious websites. To step this up, a secure VPN featuring bank-grade VPN encryption is included to allow you to go anonymous. A password manager completes the trio with a personal, encrypted, online vault where sensitive information like passwords and banking information can be hidden securely.
The best part of Norton Small Business is its curated tools to enhance device performance through its Utilities Ultimate. In addition, the Software and Driver Updater further improves the device’s performance and security by keeping it up to date and providing malware-free drivers to reduce the chances of exploitation. It is compatible with every prominent platform, including mobile devices (iOS and Android), making it more reliable.
Norton Pros/Cons
Easy to use, no learning required.
Offers 24/7 real-time protection, firewall, and a VPN.
Offers multiple tools to enhance overall security and experience.
Compatible with major platforms, including mobile devices.
VPN and Driver Updater are included in the premium plan.
Server support isn’t included.
Avast
Best for Small to Medium Business Protection
- Protection LevelEndpoint Protection
- Centralized ManagementNo
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Avast
Avast business antivirus software safeguards devices from malware, phishing, ransomware, and other advanced cyber threats through its Ransomware, Phishing, and Data Protection. Data protection is also included to maintain the integrity of sensitive information, further enhancing security and device protection.
Avast is a complete business antivirus solution, an ideal choice for businesses seeking the best anti-spyware capabilities with a perfect balance of features.
While fake websites and phishing protection aren’t available for their MacOS version, if you’re on Windows, you can use it for safer web browsing and banking. The online management platform allows adding devices anytime and anywhere.
The best part of Avast’s ultimate business security is its patch management, which fixes software vulnerabilities. With Avast your business is covered with a personal VPN and a dedicated web control, ensuring robust online privacy, security, and effective internet management. Regarding compatibility, it supports Windows and Mac, including Android and iOS mobile devices.
Avast Pros/Cons
Intuitive interface, no prior knowledge needed.
Delivers constant protection with a firewall and VPN available 24/7 for better identity theft protection.
Offers features exclusive for safe browsing.
Supports major platforms, even mobile devices, for better mobile security.
The base plan doesn’t include a VPN.
While the tools are reliable on the base plan, competitors offer more reliable tools.
Malwarebytes
Best for Small and Home Offices
- Protection LevelEndpoint Security
- Centralized ManagementNo
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes powered TheatDown implements security through real-time protection featuring AI-powered technology to detect and block emerging cyber threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and malware. It supports Windows and Mac, including Android and iOS mobile devices. However, the downside is most features are restricted to Windows and Android.
Malwarebytes is a straightforward business antivirus solution, an ideal choice for businesses seeking the benefits of antivirus without compromising on features and platform support. Safe web browsing (Windows and Android) is included to prevent the user from becoming a victim of online scams and phishing sites. Tamper Prevention is added while shielding programs and systems from hackers for the overall security of devices.
The best part of ThreatDown is its ability to clean already infected devices, ensuring they are free from threats. For brute attacks, a common concern with businesses, it has included Brute force protection (Windows) and guards against ransomware and other threats.
Malwarebytes Pros/Cons
Simple to use, no expertise needed.
Offers AI-powered technology to tackle threats.
Provides numerous tools to strengthen security and overall experience.
VPN isn’t offered, and server support isn’t included.
Most features are biased toward Windows and Android.
Kaspersky
Best for Real-Time Threat Detection
- Protection LevelWeb, Mail, File
- Centralized ManagementYes
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Kaspersky
Kaspersky Small Office Security offers essential security and is ideal for keeping a business safe from online threats. It safeguards against digital threats through its file, web, and mail threat protection, providing advanced threat defense.
Kaspersky’s dedicated data protection acts as the heart of the software and ensures malware and ransomware don’t lock personal files. A vulnerability scan is included to enhance security further, verifying that the device installed is safe from all potential security issues for better peace of mind.
While VPN is common, the best part of Kaspersky Small Office Security is its Digital Hygiene Tools, where you can save passwords and banking information in the Password Manager. The Safe Money tool ensures online purchases can be paid securely, and finally, the Data Backup saves personal and sensitive files automatically to safeguard them in case of threats.
The rest of Kaspersky’s business antivirus solutions for small businesses – Endpoint Security Cloud and Endpoint Security Cloud Plus add additional perks by including cloud and network security, including web and device control, but at the cost of reliable digital hygiene tools. It is compatible with Windows and Mac, including Android and iOS mobile devices, making it a complete business antivirus.
Kaspersky Pros/Cons
User-friendly interface, no training necessary.
Provides around-the-clock real-time protection, including firewall and VPN.
Comes with tools to boost security and user experience.
Compatible with major platforms, including mobile devices.
VPN is offered only on the base plan.
The Digital Hygiene Tools aren’t included in Endpoint Security Cloud plans.
Avira Prime
Best for Cloud-Based Scanning
- Protection LevelMalware, Online Threats
- Centralized ManagementNo
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Avira Prime
Avira Prime is a business antivirus solution with exclusive cloud-based scanning capabilities and exclusive features developed according to the platform. It offers protection in real-time against unknown malware and online threats.
Avira Prime provides unlimited VPN making browsing secure and ensuring infected websites, browser trackers, and intrusive ads are blocked. For PCs, it offers an additional feature of a PC cleaner. In addition, software and drivers are taken care of to prevent security leaks and productivity drops, but this is restricted to Windows.
The best part of Avira Prime is its password management, which allows passwords and banking credentials to be secured. Network protection is included with Android to scan the network for vulnerabilities and fix them. While it isn’t included in iOS, the secure QR code scanning feature is added for mobile devices. It supports Windows and Mac, including Android and iOS mobile devices.
Avira Prime Pros/Cons
Straightforward with no learning curve.
Ensures 24/7 protection, complete with firewall and VPN features.
Includes a suite of tools to enhance security and overall experience.
Comes with tools curated according to the platform.
The all-in bundle is offered only for 5 and 25 devices.
The Mac and iOS versions lack certain features.
Server support isn’t included.
Acronis Cyber Protect
Best for Cyber Protection with Backup Solutions
- Protection LevelEDR, Web Filtering
- Centralized ManagementNo
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office isn’t just a conventional business antivirus but comes with backup capabilities and a wide variety of tools for cloning purposes. It supports Windows and Mac, including Android and iOS mobile devices.
Acronis provides comprehensive protection against threats like viruses and ransomware. Ransomware and cyber protection are done in behavioral analysis and real-time to ensure that the business network is always secure from threats with online identity protection.
The best part of Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is its automatic recovery, which isn’t a feature often found. With this, all files affected by ransomware can be recovered with just a click. Backups are easily taken of local, full, and cloud plans with disk cloning according to the selected plan. Apart from these, it offers a range of features like Microsoft 365 backups, Blockchain certification of files, Electronic signatures on files, and up to 5TB of cloud storage.
Acronis Pros/Cons
Simple to use with a robust protection suite that needs no expertise.
One-click ransomware file recovery.
Offers different backup options and comes with disk cloning.
Compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.
VPN isn’t offered.
Cloud storage isn’t available on the base plan.
AVG AntiVirus Business Edition
Best for Simple, Reliable Security
- Protection LevelFirewall, Web Shield
- Centralized ManagementNo
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About AVG Business Edition
AVG offers professional business antivirus software solutions, but when compared to the others in its segment, the features it provides aren’t seen frequently. For example, its Smart Scanner analyses user usage patterns. Apart from this, it offers ransomware and remote management capabilities too, as well as Email Shied, File Shield, and Data Shredder for safeguarding emails and data.
AVG uses cloud-based Real-Time Outbreak Detection and proactive AI Detection to identify and protect the business from viruses, ransomware, and even the newest malware. To enhance the security further, a firewall is implemented along with Web Shield to check for traffic, web URLs, and website certificates before establishing a connection.
AVG uses its CyberCapture, which analyses the unrecognized downloaded files and provides access only if found safe. In addition, AVG’s SharePoint Server Protection and Remote Access Shield ensure that the user is covered by securing sensitive data and preventing Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) exploits and brute-force attacks.
AVG Business Edition Pros/Cons
Beginner-friendly all-around protection suite.
Offers complete protection and features tools to manage files and emails.
Comes with tools to tackle ransomware.
VPN isn’t offered.
It is limited to Windows, and separate software must be purchased for other platforms.
Bitdefender GravityZone
Best for Comprehensive Enterprise Security
- Protection LevelZero-day, Phishing
- Centralized ManagementYes
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security is a powerful business antivirus solution, and while it offers features ready for different businesses, they are biased towards medium and large companies. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and even Linux file servers.
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security provides security through its layered next-gen endpoint protection platform with prevention, detection, and blocking capabilities. To safely keep all critical and sensitive data, a ransomware mitigation feature is included, which works automatically and recovers local and network files with the help of backups.
In addition, Bitdefender GravityZone ‘s risk management infrastructure is laid down along with extended protection. As a result, risky operating systems (OS), software misconfigurations, and threats associated with the network are addressed and blocked immediately. Email Security, Patch Management, and Full Disk Encryption are add-ons that make GravityZone Business Security more reliable.
Bitdefender GravityZone Pros/Cons
Intuitive interface, no prior knowledge needed.
Delivers constant protection with backup capabilities.
Equipped with exclusive tools to improve security and usability.
Supports significant platforms, even mobile devices, and Linux.
VPN isn’t offered.
It isn’t available for mobile devices (iOS and Android).
Expensive when compared to competitors.
ESET
Best for Advanced Security Solutions
- Protection LevelHost-based IPS
- Centralized ManagementYes
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About ESET
ESET business antivirus solution focuses on providing security to SMBs while preventing cyberattacks, detecting malicious activities, and enabling quick remediation.
ESET’s endpoint protection solutions use threat-based intelligence information paired with cloud-based detection to address and block all potential threats. ESET Network Attack Protection is also included for better network-level detection.
The UEFI Scanner is the best part of ESET as it helps monitor the integrity of the firmware and identifies any modifications. In addition, the Exploit Blocker, Brute Force Attack Protection, and Fileless Attack Detection further enhance protection.
For security on the web, ESET’s Secure Browser and Botnet Protection come into play by offering enhanced memory protection and blocking malicious communication.
Coming to the feature that involves intelligence, ESET’s Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) recognizes and stops suspicious system behavior. Regarding compatibility, it is available on all prominent platforms, including mobile devices.
ESET Pros/Cons
Includes professional and segment-first suite of tools to enhance security significantly.
Offers security features for different purposes.
Functions on Windows and MacOS, including mobile devices.
VPN isn’t offered.
Expensive when compared to competitors.
Most features are biased toward the PC.
WatchGuard
Best for Network Security and Threat Management
- Protection LevelEDR, DNS Filtering
- Centralized ManagementYes
- Ransomware ProtectionYes
About WatchGuard
WatchGuard’s Panda Advanced Endpoint Security offers robust protection for both individuals and businesses seeking to safeguard their endpoints, be it network devices, computers, laptops, and mobile devices that are part of the business.
Panda Advanced Endpoint Security offers protection by monitoring, detecting, and classifying all activities, allowing only safe processes. To further enhance security, it searches for and blocks sophisticated hacking tactics.
If a threat affects the system, it immediately identifies and stops them. The entire process is managed through forensic insights to understand and prevent future attacks.
Panda Advanced Endpoint Security allows the control of devices to secure remotely, ensuring that the business is all running without halt, even in the event of a cyber incident. It is ideal for companies needing strong protection against malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
WatchGuard Pros/Cons
Ideal for professionals and organizations looking to protect endpoints.
Uses segment best security technologies.
Offers remote capabilities.
Not suitable for beginners and requires IT assistance.
AD360 needs to be purchased to get hands-on experience with all features.
Best Business Antivirus Software Comparison
The below comparison table provides a summary of pricing and supported devices for different business antivirus software.
Business Antivirus Software | Starting Price USD (yearly) | Supported Devices | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|
Norton | $59.99 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
Kaspersky | $139.99 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
Avast | $139.99 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
Avira | $104.99 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
Acronis | $85 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
AVG | $46.99 | Windows only | |
Bitdefender | $77.69 | Windows, Mac, Linux; no mobile devices | |
ESET | $211 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
Malwarebytes | $119.97 | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | |
WatchGuard | On request | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android |
Best Practices for Implementing Business Antivirus Software
These are the 8 best practices to consider when implementing business antivirus software:
- Choose suitable business antivirus software for your needs.
- Install antivirus on every business device.
- Regularly update the antivirus software.
- Set up scans and automatic updates for better protection against viruses.
- Train employees on cybersecurity.
- Monitor antivirus alerts and logs to secure devices from viruses.
- Back up important data regularly.
- Consult with cybersecurity experts if needed.
Choosing the Right Antivirus for Your Business
Choosing the right antivirus for your business involves selecting a solution with the best data security. It makes sense to look for an antivirus that is easy to use, fits your budget, and covers all your devices with real-time protection against threats.
Alongside these, try the trial version and ensure it has good ratings and reliable customer support.
What are Other Online Virus Scanners?
When looking for online virus scanners, consider products like VirusTotal, Jotti’s Malware Scan, and ESET Online Scanner. These tools offer scanning capabilities to detect and remove malware from your devices directly through your web browser, reducing the hassle of installing software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a small businesses needs antivirus software to protect sensitive data and operations from cyber threats like ransomware.
Yes, a paid antivirus is worth it because it offers advanced features like comprehensive protection, regular updates, and support, which are crucial for business security from malicious websites and online threats, unlike a free antivirus version.
A complete cybersecurity solution that includes real-time threat detection, firewall protection, data backup, and secure internet access is better than just antivirus.
The cost of antivirus software for small businesses varies based on features and the number of devices covered.