Viruses and malware are a major concern for businesses. One study found that 75% of organizations had malware that went from one employee’s device to another. When consulting on cybersecurity in Miami, we recommend analyzing your systems first before taking any drastic measures to address your existing security.
First, Analyze Your Systems
If you have a current antivirus, a firewall and strict BYOD rules in place, you may not need a new antivirus. You may benefit more from other forms of real-time security monitoring over new antivirus software.
You need an antivirus of some kind.
However, that doesn’t mean your current system is enough.
Does it Provide Enough Protection?
What is enough protection for your business? You'll need to consider the latest features, detection accuracy, support and what your company is receiving for the license(s). Unfortunately, free versions are for non-business users and do not provide the robust level of protection businesses require.
Features to Look for When Choosing an Antivirus Program
The following features are the basics that you should consider for your antivirus:
Malware Protection
Malware protection is a must-have for any enterprise. In fact, viruses are a type of malware, but the term “malware” can encompass:
- Ransomware
- Worms
- Spyware
- Viruses
- Trojans
- Keyloggers
- Many more
You can check online for security sites that have tested solutions against an array of viruses and malware to verify that the detection rate is sufficient.
Real-Time Scanning
Real-time scanning allows you to detect viruses in real-time. Scanning is performed on each file before it’s opened or when it’s downloaded. On top of scheduled scans, real-time scanning provides robust security and will keep your business safe from infection.
Email/Malware Scanning
Email scanning is essential, even if you don’t think you’ll click on a malicious link or download a malicious file. Statistically, over 30% of phishing emails are opened. If you have an antivirus, it needs to scan your email for:
- Phishing attempts
- Viruses
- Malware
Otherwise, you risk you or one of your employees downloading a file that causes irreparable damage to your system or potentially installing ransomware.
Easy Installation and Use
You don’t have time to become a security expert. If you have an IT team or plan on performing the installation yourself, ask the vendor how easy it is to:
- Install the software
- Update the software
More importantly, how easy is it to perform these tasks on an entire network of devices?
After Sales Support
If you run into any of the following, will support be able to help you with:
- False positives?
- Configuration issues?
- Licensing issues?
Many business-level antivirus vendors will offer options to back up your systems and help with restoration if a virus circumvents the software.
Performance
Antivirus software can slow your system down, especially when it’s scanning. Research the software’s system requirements to better understand how running it can impact your system’s performance.
Cost
Finally, does the antivirus fit within your allotted budget? Do you need to purchase a new license for each system? What level of support and training are offered for the price? Consider all of these factors when determining if a solution is right for your company.
If you want to have your antivirus and security analyzed to ensure that you’re following best practices, our cybersecurity company in Miami can help. We can examine your existing setup and make recommendations on key changes to make to your setup.