In today's digital age, antivirus software is essential for every business, large or small. Small businesses often underestimate the need for effective protection, making them easy targets for cybercriminals. A single unprotected device can compromise an entire network, leading to data breaches, downtime, and financial loss. Modern cloud-based antivirus solutions offer real-time protection and use advanced technologies like machine learning to detect and prevent threats instantly.
However, as cybercriminals become more advanced, choosing a strong, up-to-date antivirus solution is crucial. In this blog, we will discover the best antivirus solutions for small businesses to help you stay protected.
Top 5 Antivirus Solutions for Small Businesses
With this in mind, we've thoroughly tested and selected some of the best antivirus software options for small businesses. Each solution offers exceptional security features, user-friendly management, and excellent value for money. So, without wasting any more time, let's explore the best options available for small businesses today.
Top 5 Best Antivirus Solutions for Small Businesses
- Norton Small Business – Best overall antivirus solution in 2024.
- Bitdefender – High-quality antivirus for small companies.
- Trend Micro Business – Ideal for larger organisations needing endpoint security.
- ESET Protect Enterprise – A solid choice for businesses of all sizes, offering comprehensive threat detection.
- Avira Prime – Great for small businesses, with a built-in VPN for extra security.
In this article, we will explore the top two antivirus solutions in depth and tell you why they are the best choices for small businesses.
Do Small Businesses Really Need Antivirus?
Yes, absolutely! Small businesses need antivirus protection to defend against various cyber threats such as viruses, spyware, and malware. Unfortunately, cybercriminals tend to target small companies due to their limited resources for cybersecurity. This makes them vulnerable to attacks that can result in financial losses, data breaches, and disruptions to business operations.
To emphasise this, a 2022 study by Barracuda Networks analysed millions of emails from companies of different sizes. The findings showed that small business employees (those in companies with fewer than 100 workers) faced 350% more social engineering attacks than those in larger enterprises. Clearly, small businesses need robust antivirus software to reduce these risks and protect both their operations and customer data.
Our Recommendations for Best Antivirus for Small Businesses in 2024
When it comes to finding the best antivirus solution, it can be a challenging task, whether you run a small company or a large enterprise. To help you out, we've compiled a list of top-rated antivirus solutions that offer great protection for your business and employees.
1. Norton Small Business – Best Overall Antivirus for Small Businesses
- Max devices protected: 20
- Business plan available: Yes
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Norton Small Business stands out as the best overall antivirus solution for small companies. Not only is it easy to set up, but it's also an ideal choice for startups and businesses switching from individual plans to business plans.
One of the standout features of Norton is its real-time protection, which protects your devices around the clock. Furthermore, it receives frequent updates to stay ahead of the latest threats, and these updates won't interfere with your work. In addition, Norton offers protection against phishing attacks, blocks spam, and ensures employees avoid risky websites.
Other key features include a firewall, cloud backup, password manager, Wi-Fi security, and more. Norton also has an easy-to-use admin console, which allows you to manage up to 20 devices, ensuring that your company's security needs are met efficiently.
Pricing: Norton offers two business plans, starting at €89.99 for the first year, covering up to 10 devices.
Pros:
- Comprehensive phishing protection
- Strong email and Wi-Fi security
- 24/7 live support
Cons:
- No free version
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
2. Bitdefender GravityZone – Best for Small Businesses with Machine Learning Technology
- Max devices protected: 100
- Business plan available: Yes
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Bitdefender GravityZone is another excellent option for small businesses, offering an impressive combination of malware protection and ease of use. Moreover, it uses advanced machine learning technology, which continuously monitors and prevents cyber threats.
In addition, Bitdefender uses cloud-based technology and signature-based scanning to provide robust malware detection. One of the standout features of Bitdefender is its Sandbox Analyzer, which allows IT administrators to test potential threats in a secure, controlled environment, keeping your business safe from harm.
Other notable features include ransomware reduction, email protection, and web threat protection. Bitdefender supports up to 100 devices, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized businesses.
Pricing: Bitdefender offers flexible subscription plans, which include a money-back guarantee and trial options for businesses to test the service.
Pros:
- Excellent email and phishing protection
- Sandbox analyzer for thorough threat detection
- Supports multiple platforms
Cons:
- Limited customer support (only available via ticket system)
- No mobile protection with the business plan
Conclusion
Security is essential for small businesses, especially as they often overlook the importance of antivirus protection, making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Choosing the right antivirus software can be challenging, but it's important to protect your business from malware, phishing attacks, and data breaches. Norton Small Business and Bitdefender offer excellent protection, but every business has unique needs.
For expert advise on selecting the best antivirus solution and ensuring comprehensive IT security, contact Radium. We provide Best IT services to secure your business, employees, and clients' data. Let us help you find the perfect protection today!