Looking for antivirus software for small businesses? This post will show you 10 best antivirus software for small businesses that you must know. Endpoint protection methods like antivirus software secure specific endpoints by spotting and preventing harmful data. As with any large-scale company, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are as susceptible to malware attacks.
In reality, SMBs may look like easier targets for hackers because they typically do not have the robust security budget that larger organisations do. Despite this, 1 in 5 SMBs in the US and the UK employ no endpoint security measures at all.
Additionally, a growing number of workers now work remotely and using their own devices as opposed to using workplace computers. This indicates that effective endpoint protection has become essential for maintaining the security of a company’s network. Today, the majority of endpoint security is either wholly or mostly hosted in the cloud.
As a result, solutions can automate analyses using cutting-edge machine learning technology, dramatically increasing the likelihood of discovery. But malware assaults have also advanced in sophistication along with antivirus software. It’s crucial to understand that you’re providing your company with the best protection possible because of this.
7+ Top Antivirus Software for Small Businesses in 2022
For the sake of these solutions, “small” businesses are defined as those with fewer than 100 users. Each of them includes a few minor variations in features, such as varied degrees of threat protection, compatibility with mobile devices, and patch management.
We’ll offer you some background on the supplier, the essential components of each solution, and the kinds of clients it is most suited for. You should use these best antivirus software for small business.
ESET, Heimdal Security or Bitdefender, Trend Micro, Avast, AVG, MacAfee or Norton, Sophos, and WithSecure are among the top ten antivirus programmes for small businesses.
1.ESET Endpoint Security
ESET is renowned antivirus software throughout the world for its powerful, portable cybersecurity products that are made to guard businesses of all sizes against the most advanced known and zero-day threats.
Their cloud-based endpoint protection solution, ESET Endpoint Security, comes with a number of security mechanisms, automation, and centralised management. It defends against malware and fileless assaults on desktops, mobile devices, file servers, and virtual environments.
The cybersecurity package that ESET Endpoint Security is a part of also includes file server security, disc encryption, a cloud sandbox, and EDR. ESET Endpoint Security is also offered separately. To identify targeted malware, ransomware, and fileless assaults, ESET Endpoint Security uses crowdsourced threat information and machine learning technology.
This is accomplished by checking all running programmes for dangerous content and assessing them based on their known tendencies. ESET’s solution boasts outstanding detection rates before, during, and after execution because to its strong intrusion detection capabilities. Additionally, ESET Endpoint Security provides browser-specific security, stopping users from downloading harmful files and allowing administrators to white- and blacklist URLs.
All ESET endpoints, including mobile devices, may be managed by administrators using a single cloud-based unified management console. Basically this eliminates the need for additional hardware and, together with automatic upgrades, makes ESET’s solution simple to deploy and manage.
Even though ESET Endpoint Security is incredibly lightweight, it outperforms every reliable anti-malware engine. It’s a really adaptable option, too: With integrated mobile device management for iOS and AndroidOS, ESET Endpoint Security works with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android operating systems.
Additionally, ESET provides localised support in 38 different languages, and the console is available in 21 different languages. This makes their product perfect for SMBs searching for strong antivirus software that won’t bog down their systems and have a diversified workforce and device fleet.
2.HeimdalTM Next-Gen Endpoint Antivirus
Copenhagen-based Next-Gen Endpoint Software Antivirus is the antivirus product that HeimdalTM is bringing to the table. It is a reliable tool that is effective in thwarting and preventing both known and unidentified threats, including ransomware, viruses, APTs, data leaks, and data injections, in addition to thwarting spam and advertisements.
Although some consumers reported a learning curve with the product’s initial implementation, it is easily expandable.
The scanning and reporting capability of the solution can be configured to work by the week, day, hour, or minute. The design of the solution is also extremely flexible.
A unified dashboard that offers a customizable and comprehensive view into the whole company network, replete with in-depth reporting features, lets administrators navigate the solution.
Next-Gen Endpoint Antivirus from HeimdalTM enables local file, signature, and registry scanning in real-time, giving users useful information about the health of their devices and enabling code-based detection and treatment. Additionally, the system makes advantage of behavioural analytics to check for any code modifications after delivery.
Automatic blocking of unknown or questionable URLs occurs, and notifications are provided to the IT team for additional review and approval. Last but not least, HeimdalTM’s sandboxing and backdoor inspection capability automatically executes all suspicious files so they can be run and checked out without risk to the endpoint.
In addition to antivirus protection, HeimdalTM’s Next-Gen Endpoint Antivirus provides additional security through integrated Mobile Device Management (MDM) features. These features let administrators keep an eye on and track of all mobile devices connected to the network, no matter where their users are located.
Administrators have the ability to remotely lock, erase, or locate lost or stolen devices using location information. Overall, HeimdalTM’s antivirus solution provides user-friendly, intelligent, reliable, yet adaptable security that can be customised to a company’s unique demands with minimal trouble during installation and configuration. It is a powerful antivirus programme that we would suggest for small- to medium-sized businesses.
3.Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
With over 500 million systems being protected in 150 countries, Bitdefender is the industry leader in endpoint security antivirus software. They frequently achieve excellent rankings in independent security tests with their GravityZone systems, which offer effective security for both small and large businesses.
Bitdefender’s antivirus programme GravityZone Business Security is made especially for small businesses. Administrators may control all workstations, servers, and security events from a single cloud-based console. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are basically used by GravityZone Business Security to monitor networks and find malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits.
As with several of the other solutions on this list, this information is obtained from the cloud, so if a problem is found on one system, it is immediately sent to all the others. As a result, Bitdefender can respond to emerging threats far more quickly and defend against attacks before they are carried out.
There is no need to fear about safe files being banned and quarantined by the programme because Bitdefender’s solution consistently has extremely high detection rates with few false positives in third-party tests. Additionally, the solution has the capacity to thwart RDP brute force assaults, which are used by hackers to log in remotely to Windows PCs.
The most popular method for connecting remote desktops to a network is RDP, and if the connection is hacked, an attacker can disseminate malware to further endpoints throughout the network. The RDP attack blocking capability is therefore very helpful for businesses where staff work from home. Finally, administrators can examine reports and warnings on Bitdefender’s customisable dashboard, which enables users to stay up to date on security-related activities.
Additionally, this dashboard can restrict an employee’s access to particular websites or applications, increasing productivity and preventing get access to websites that are known to pose security threats.
GravityZone Business Security from Bitdefender is an excellent option for small businesses searching for antivirus software that is quick and efficient. Users should think about adding the Advanced Threat Security add-on, which includes HyperDetect and sandbox analysis, for slightly larger enterprises.
4.Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security
Three guiding principles—simplicity, safety, and trust—serve as the foundation for the cybersecurity solutions provided by Trend Micro. They are acknowledged as being a market leader in endpoint security with 30 years of experience.
Worry-Free Business Security from Trend Micro is a “all-in-one” cloud-based solution that combines endpoint, online, and email security. It works with PCs, laptops, and portable electronics. To plug security holes, Trend Micro’s Worry-Free Business Security employs a variety of threat defence strategies.
Machine learning, behavioural analysis, application control, and good-file checking are some of them. As a result, it has a high rate of binary and programmed threat detection, as well as effective anti-phishing and exploit detection tools.
The method does, however, leave out several sophisticated cloaked assault types. Automatic updates and round-the-clock support for Trend Micro’s Worry-Free Business Security make it simple to adopt and maintain.
The security personnel has very little to keep up with. Administrators can also control the software remotely from a console online. However, it does a good job of recognising scripted threats and known but deadly phishing attacks.
Trend also provides a wide range of security options, such as email and online protection, which may be combined and used to create a very powerful security suite.
5.Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus
With the second-largest market share globally, Avast is the industry leader in anti-malware software. For SMBs, Avast provides comprehensive endpoint and network security solutions. Since their antivirus software is entirely cloud-based, managing it from a single integrated platform is simple.
The cutting-edge security engine from Avast detects malware threats fast and accurately using machine learning, behavioural analysis, and signature-based detection. They gather intelligence from roughly half a billion endpoints, crowdsourcing knowledge about more serious dangers before it becomes known to the general public.
Every PC, laptop, and server are compatible with Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus. By sandboxing and testing questionable content, as well as using its potent threat detection skills to stop malware before it can be executed, it is made to safeguard businesses against viruses. The programme offers additional security with a built-in firewall and VPN that protect your online identity and stop adware from tracing your digital footprint.
The Avast solution also includes a Data Shredder, which is particularly helpful for permanently erasing sensitive data, and an Email Shield, which detects and eliminates spam and phishing emails from user inboxes. The antivirus software from Avast is simple to set up, has good threat detection capabilities, and has an intuitive user interface.
Mobile devices cannot presently be used with it. For very small teams (5 devices or less) and independent contractors seeking for a powerful antivirus software solution to protect desktop computers, Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus is the perfect option.
6.AVG Business
A line of antivirus software is available from AVG Technologies, a division of Avast, to defend desktops and mobile devices from malware attacks and privacy risks. AVG, which is well-known for its personal security options, has expanded its range to include antivirus software for SMB security.
The AVG Cloud Management Console enables administrators to remotely control all security components, and its Business Edition software is simple to deploy and quickly install across multiple endpoints. With cloud-based real-time outbreak and AI detection that guards against the most recent known malware threats, AVG Business secures your network.
Sandboxing and behavioural testing are used with this to swiftly identify and eradicate hazards. An additional line of defence against internet security risks is a firewall, and AVG’s Linkscanner scans websites before users open them and ranks their level of security in their search engine results.
Additionally, by providing a copy of any unauthorised downloads to their Threat Lab for inspection, their recently added CyberCapture tool defends against dangerous files.
AVG Business offers anti-spyware in addition to network security measures to shield devices from spyware and adware that collects personal data. A file shredder is also included, which safely deletes files to prevent unauthorised recovery.
Particularly beneficial for systems that store sensitive data. AVG Business is a potent antivirus programme that runs silently in the background without interfering with users’ work. Additionally, the solution includes automated upgrades, free email assistance, and phone support.
This makes AVG Business a fantastic option for small business owners controlling devices off-site, along with its remote administration technology.
7.McAfee Total Protection
Although McAfee is well renowned for offering consumers award-winning security solutions, its Total Protection products are also made to safeguard SMBs. Over 500 million devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and tablets, are secured by the suite globally. It is the perfect answer for small businesses with mobile workers who use their own devices.
Real-time machine learning-based malware and virus protection is provided by McAfee Total Protection, along with a web-based security function that removes files related to the internet.
Total Protection operates invisibly and in the background for users. This also applies to scanning, which begins while no one is using the device and leaves users free to continue working. Because of how lightweight the software is, system resources aren’t overly taxed.
A built-in firewall, password management, and anti-phishing technology are also included in Total Protection to protect users’ inboxes from unwanted emails. Finally, it prevents particular malicious behaviours that are prevalent, reducing the threat posed by malware that hasn’t yet received a patch.
It is simple to use and administer McAfee thanks to its well-designed, user-friendly interface and scheduled scanning features that run in the background. Also highly responsive is its user assistance.
Despite not having as many extra capabilities as some of the other options on this list, this option is still a solid choice for any small business (with up to 10 devices) seeking trustworthy antivirus software that offers all-encompassing threat protection.
8.Norton Small Business
Nearly 50 million users worldwide have their devices secured by NortonLifeLock, a market leader in cybersecurity technologies that was once owned by Symantec. Norton offers a number of security bundles with a focus on consumer products, identity and device security, and online privacy.
They provide Norton Small Business as their antivirus solution for SMBs, which can defend up to 20 devices. This solution is comparable to Symantec’s former SMB-focused offering, Endpoint Protection 14, however Norton Small Business fills the gap left by EP14’s discontinuation.
With cloud-based setup and device management options, Norton Small Business is simple to install without further technical assistance.
This enables an administrator to control the programme for a remote team.
Numerous security features are offered by the software, including tools for finding and getting rid of ransomware, malware, and zero-day vulnerabilities. In order to stop harmful files more rapidly in the future, it finds and groups them according to their reputation and behaviour. Additionally, Norton Small Business warns users before they download potentially harmful files or click on dubious URLs.
The ease with which the Computer software can be later deployed to new devices is one of this solution’s most alluring characteristics. This makes Norton Small Business an especially useful antivirus programme for smaller businesses with expansion goals.
9.Sophos Intercept X
A wide range of endpoint, mobile, network, email, cloud, and web security solutions are available from Sophos. The real-time, AI-powered Sophos products anticipate changing threats.
Administrators can control the security of laptops, servers, and public cloud apps from a single remote interface because they are cloud-based and cloud-managed. The market-leading endpoint security product from Sophos is called Intercept X.
Sophos used to primarily target SMBs, but thanks to Intercept X’s scalability, they are now a well-known name in the enterprise sector as well. Powerful artificial intelligence is used by Intercept X to identify both known and unidentified malware, ransomware, and other harmful exploits, and to eliminate up to 99% of threats.
When a threat is discovered on one linked device, it then synchronises the security across all connected devices to stop it there as well. In order to save your security team valuable time and resources, Intercept X’s managed threat response experts assess each threat’s potential impact and take action to neutralise it.
Finally, the Sophos Central panel allows administrators to control all of their security solutions, including firewalls and email gateways.
Intercept X is made smarter and more scalable with the application of AI, enabling SMBs to use the same potent technology as larger businesses. Anyone can use this solution because it works on all PCs, laptops, servers or tablets, and mobile devices and is compatible with all major operating systems.
10.WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection
WithSecure (formerly F-Secure) is renowned for its compact, low-impact antivirus products that consistently receive excellent results in independent testing. We’re going to concentrate on their cloud-based antivirus product, WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection, rather than their on-premise Business Suite.
Endpoint protection from WithSecure Elements is created natively for the cloud, is managed from a single interface, and is instantly deployable from a web browser. It provides strong AI-driven protection against malware, ransomware, and data breaches for all devices.
According to Ponemon Institute’s 2020 State of Endpoint Security study, WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection has good protection against script-based exploits, which make up 40% of all cyberattacks, and high detection rates.
Users’ inboxes and browsers are additionally secured by efficient anti-phishing tools and browsing security, stopping them from clicking on fraudulent links and visiting risky websites.
Additionally, the automated patch management feature of WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection guards against up to 80% of assaults through the Software Updater.
In order to help stop zero-day assaults, the platform also makes use of crowd-sourced intelligence obtained from its diverse clientele. Organizations with fewer than 20 connected devices all the way up to those with more than 1,000 can be supported by WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection due to its scalability.
Endpoint detection and response (EDR), vulnerability monitoring, and Microsoft 365 email and collaboration protection are all included in WithSecure’s larger cybersecurity bundle, which is also offered separately as an endpoint security product. The solution works with iOS and Android as well as Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
As a result, we suggest WithSecure Elements Endpoint Protection as a reliable option for any SMB seeking to safeguard its endpoints from viruses and malware, especially those that have a diverse range of desktop and mobile endpoints in their device fleet.
