Best Antivirus Software for Small Business

One of the biggest concerns for business owners is protecting their companies from cyberattacks. However, ensuring your business’ safety involves more than just relying on your computer’s antivirus software. The best antivirus software for small business owners should include essential features such as real-time threat detection, automated scanning, monitoring, and multi-device firewall protection.

Discover the best antivirus software for business security by considering the following options:

• Bitdefender GravityZone: Best overall antivirus software for small business
• Avast Business Antivirus: Best for cloud-based business management
• ESET Protect: Best for enterprise-grade security
• Webroot Business Endpoint Protection: Best for automated antivirus software
• Norton Small Business: Best for social media monitoring

Comparing the best antivirus software for small businesses

Best antivirus software for business	Starting price(1 year subscription)	Key features	My Score out of 5
	$115.49 for 5 devices	Ransomware protection Fraud prevention Security dashboard	4.58
	Visit Bitdefender
	$148.36 for 5 devices	Patch management Web control Phishing protection	4.43
	Visit Avast
	$211 for 5 devices	Extended detection and response (XDR) Mobile threat defense Device control	4.36
	Visit ESET
	$150 for 5 devices	Predictive analytics Automatic scans and monitoring Endpoint protection	4.34
	Visit Webroot
	$79.99 for up to three employees	Encrypted password vault Social media monitoring Secure browsing	4.08
	Visit Norton

Bitdefender GravityZone: Best overall antivirus software for small business

Avast Business Antivirus: Best for cloud-based business management

ESET Protect: Best for enterprise-grade security

Webroot Business Endpoint Protection: Best for automated antivirus software

Norton Small Business: Best for social media monitoring

Key features to look for in antivirus software

Generally, antivirus software is used to protect networks and devices from cyberattacks, but not all businesses have the same security needs. For example, while some teams would benefit from mobile device coverage, others might require more automated support. Before selecting antivirus software, consider the following key features to determine which are best suited for your business.

• Automated system scans: One of the most essential features in antivirus software is real-time monitoring of your network and devices. Most providers include a combination of automated and manual scans, which ensures that you can employ both defensive and offensive strategies against cyberattacks.
• Threat detection and removal: After a scan, if a threat is detected, you also want a tool that will remove the malicious software or virus and restore your computer or network to its original state.
• VPN access: For business owners or remote team members, having a personal virtual private network (VPN) allows you to work from different locations without worrying about the security of your company data.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): When monitoring threats, you also want software that can respond directly to external threats, which is the purpose of EDR. Some antivirus software providers offer standalone or add-on EDR, while others integrate it into their subscriptions.
• Email protection: A significant threat to business security is social engineering attacks launched through email campaigns. Therefore, many antivirus companies offer some form of email shield or protection to ensure that incoming emails, attachments, and external links are scanned before being opened.
• Remote device support: The modern workspace includes not only desktop computers and laptops but also a variety of mobile devices, such as cellphones and tablets. It is, therefore, essential to look for antivirus software that offers remote access and supports multiple devices.
• Password manager: Instead of purchasing additional software, many antivirus providers include password management tools to generate and safeguard passwords, which is a crucial method of protecting accounts from unauthorized access.

How to choose the right antivirus software for your small business

In an era where security threats are imminent, incorporating VoIP security tips and antivirus software is crucial for protecting your workspace. When selecting the best antivirus software for your business, there are a few steps you can take to enhance your security and protection.

1. Assess your security needs

The first step in determining what type of antivirus software you need is understanding the kind of security or data protection that would benefit you the most. One of the easiest ways to identify your security needs is by conducting a risk assessment. Risk assessments can help you pinpoint where your business is vulnerable to attack and the specific features you require.

2. Consider your workspace tools

The next thing to consider is the technology you use in your business. Each antivirus software provider is compatible with specific computers, devices, and browsers. Therefore, you should choose a provider that not only meets your security needs but is also software that can be integrated into your tech stack.

3. Create a concrete budget

Plans and pricing are a primary concern for small business owners, so it’s also essential to understand how much you can budget for antivirus software based on the size of your team. Antivirus software is priced per device or employee, meaning that you should factor in how many subscriptions you will need to cover the computers and other devices in your workplace. Set a budget before choosing software, so you can make the best decision.

4. Book a demo or sign up for a free trial

Once you’ve chosen a subscription service, the final step is to try out different products. Many types of antivirus software offer free trials or product demos, which provide a hands-on experience with the product and help you determine how well it works. Once you have some experience with the product, you can feel confident in purchasing that annual subscription.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Bottom line

As online data collection continues to grow and new technologies emerge, businesses that operate on online platforms face an increased risk of cyberattacks and security breaches. To better protect your business, investing in antivirus software is a wise decision that safeguards not only your company but also your employees, clients, and customers.

On this list, Bitdefender was chosen as the best antivirus software for small businesses because it offers multiple solutions that are tailored to small and mid-sized companies. Especially for businesses without an in-house IT team, Bitdefender’s Gravity Zone subscriptions offer multi-layered protection, continuous monitoring, and fraud protection that can be easily managed from a single dashboard. Start a free trial today to learn more.