Businesses of any size need to be aware of security threats to their devices and data. Unsurprisingly, data security is one of the most important concerns for businesses. In order to properly protect and secure important business data, companies need access to a wide-range of risk management and data protection tools. One such tool that is mandatory for all businesses is antivirus software.
In this article, we will cover antivirus and anti-malware software: what it is and why businesses need it. Then, we will examine the 10 best business antivirus software, including antivirus software for small businesses and enterprise antivirus tools. By the end, you will know which antivirus for business works best for your company depending on its size, data architecture, and security needs.
What is Anti-Malware and Antivirus?
Both antivirus and anti-malware are vital tools for businesses, but what is the difference between antivirus vs anti-malware? Both software types protect devices against malicious software that aims to break your device, steal your data, or cause other harm to your system. However, antivirus software is specifically focused on combating viruses, a type of malware that replicates itself and spreads throughout your entire system in order to alter the way it operates. On the other hand, anti-malware provides more generalized protection against all malware threats, including Trojans, rootkits, adware, spyware, and ransomware.
Additionally, antivirus programs focus on detecting and removing malware from a device, while anti-malware is more focused on preventing malware from entering your device in the first place. As such, both antivirus and anti-malware are integral tools for keeping your devices safe.
Fortunately, there are many software brands that offer programs that combine both antivirus and more general anti-malware protection. The list below focuses on software that provides all-in-one protection for businesses against malicious programs.
Top 10 Business Antivirus Software
Bitdefender’s GravityZone packages offer advanced malware protection and risk analytics for businesses of any size. The company offers software packages for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Features
- 30 levels of techniques used to stop threats and secure devices
- Online threat protection
- Full disk encryption
- Firewall
- Advanced detection of all malware types
- Endpoint risk analysis
- Advanced threat analysis and reporting
- Email security
- Remote deployment options
Pricing begins at $77.69/yr for 3 protection on 3 devices and the cost per device decreases and the number of devices goes up. Overall, Bitdfender provides comprehensive security software for all companies. It is regularly ranked #1 among antivirus software for business in independent security tests.
Norton doesn’t provide a solution for larger enterprises, but its small business antivirus software provides advanced protection at a low cost.
Features
- Cloud-based setup and management
- Security is custom-built for different devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.)
- Prorated protection, so you only pay for the services you need
- Defends against all malware types
- Online threat protection
- Cloud storage included
- Secure VPN
- Identity theft detection
Norton Small Business begins at $99.99/year for 5 devices, with plans available for up to 20 devices. Norton’s cloud-based service makes it especially convenient for remote businesses and businesses that only need select services.
McAfee offers inexpensive total protection software that can be installed on an unlimited number of devices, making it suitable for businesses of any size.
Features
- Antivirus software
- Identity theft monitoring
- Secure VPN
- Data scans and cleanup
- Password manager
- Firewall
- Web protection
- Provides a protection score for every device with suggested fixes
McAfee offers premium protection for unlimited devices for only $49.99 in your first year, with advanced protection for only $89.99. Do note after your first year, the software may go up in price. In all, McAfee’s well-known software provides a good option for individuals and businesses alike.
Avast advertises an easy-to-use cybersecurity solution for both small- and medium-size businesses.
Features
- Monitor threats on any device from a centralized dashboard
- Cloud backup
- Antivirus software
- Unlimited VPN
- Fixes vulnerabilities in third-party applications on your device
- Data protection from theft
- Password management and protection
Avast’s pricing begins at $174.95/yr for 5 devices. Higher-tiered subscriptions are also available with more features at a higher cost. While more expensive than other solutions on this list, Avast makes up for this by providing intuitive centralized account management.
Avira Prime provides scalable security for small businesses with up to 25 devices.
Features
- Monitors and optimizes device performance
- Cleans junk files
- Scans for malware, weak passwords, and outdated apps
- Password management
- Unlimited VPN
- Over 200 privacy settings
- QR code scanning
Avira Prime offers protection for 5 devices at $9.99/mo and for 25 devices at $12.99/mo, with discounts for annual plans. While Avira Prime provides fewer features than other solutions on this list, it does include unique features such as a device cleaner and QR scanner. Keep in mind that Avira is best for businesses that use Windows devices as not all features are available on Mac.
Emsisoft is anti-malware originally made for remote businesses but now available for individuals and businesses of any size.
Features
- Malware, ransomware, and threat detection
- Full device cleaner
- Remote management built for managed service providers (MSPs)
- Monitors connected storage devices
- Integrates with third-party software
- Unlimited admins and managers for enterprise workspaces
- Customizable security and permissions policies
- Web protection
- Anti-phishing tools
Pricing for business begins at $19.99/device/year. Enterprise plans begin at $29.99/device/year. Both plans have won awards for their advanced level of security and are considered among the most advanced protection available.
F-Secure antivirus software for small businesses provides full cybersecurity protection for up to 25 devices.
Features
- Protection against viruses and ransomware
- Password manager
- Secure VPN
- Online identity monitoring
- Web browsing protection
- Wi-Fi protection
- Change your virtual location
F-Secure pricing begins at approximately $35/year for 3 devices and comes with a 30-day free trial. Overall, F-Secure is recommended for remote small businesses and those who travel frequently.
With over 30 years of experience, ESET provides data security technology both through the cloud and on-site for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Features
- Full disk encryption
- Email protection against spam and malware
- Real-time file server protection
- Advanced threat and malware detection
- Provides protection for cloud-based Microsoft 365 apps
- Multi-factor authentication
- Data and identify protection that meets GDPR requirements
- Multilayered protection for all devices
ESET is one of the more expensive products on this list, with endpoint security alone starting at $239 for 5 devices. Additional features may cost more, though you can contact their sales team for a special package for your business. Ultimately, ESET is a solid choice for businesses that need both data security and data protection features and that would prefer flexibility in terms of on-site vs cloud management.
Trend Micro offers agile cybersecurity software for businesses of any size. It is already used by over 500,000 organizations worldwide, including 9 of the Top 10 Fortune 500 companies.
Features
- Supports leading cloud providers: AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud
- Anti-ransomware tools
- Monitors regulatory compliance for GDPR, HIPAA, and more
- Email security
- Cloud app security for Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Box, and Dropbox
- Secure file storage
- Advanced threat detection and protection
- Web security
Because Trend Micro offers so many different solutions, accurate pricing information is difficult to come by. If you are interested in any of their products, contact their sales team. Nonetheless, Trend Micro’s array of products includes almost any security need that a business may need. It is unsurprising, then, that they are used by so many organizations.
10.
Microsoft Defender for Business is brand-new antivirus software that is best for businesses that already use Microsoft 365 products.
Features
- Endpoint protection across devices
- Manage threats and vulnerabilities from a single dashboard
- Prioritizes top threats
- Web protection
- Anti-ransomware and malware protection
- Network firewall
- Integrates into the security platforms and reporting tools you already use
Microsoft Defender for Business is $3/user/month for up to 300 employees. You also have access to it as part of the Microsoft 365 Business Premium package, which costs $22/user/mo and includes 14 other Microsoft products, including information protection. Microsoft Defender is a brand-new product for 2022, and while it doesn’t yet provide the same breadth of protection as some of the other options on this list, it is very affordable, especially as part of the larger Microsoft business package.
Once you decide which of the above antivirus software is best for your business, contact their sales team to discuss your organization’s specific needs.