Is Antivirus Protection Necessary for My Business

 With threats like ransomware, businesses cannot afford to leave their networks and data unsecured

If you're wondering if your business requires antivirus protection, the short answer is yes. Although Windows 10 has its own well-regarded built-in Windows Defender antivirus, investing in a dedicated enterprise Windows antivirus solution can offer more comprehensive protection. 

Why is antivirus important for protecting my business?

Cyber ​​threats are constantly evolving. As operating systems and web browsers have evolved to stop viruses more effectively, cybercriminals are also devising new types of attacks. Sophisticated new malware exploits undiscovered software vulnerabilities and can bypass the basic protections offered by your operating system and web browsers unless you have a robust anti-malware solution in place.

A growing number of cyber security threats are targeting businesses specifically, with ransomware being a particular cause for concern. SamSam ransomware, for example, has previously destroyed a hospital in Indiana and the city of Atlanta (yes, the entire city). And a ransomware attack on the Port of San Diego brought the transportation hub to a standstill. To make sure your business is not vulnerable to a ransomware attack, you need an antivirus.

While installing the latest security updates will protect your system from known threats, bad actors sell zero-day exploits—vulnerabilities not yet known to software vendors—through online black markets. These exploits then allow the malware to go undetected by browsers and operating systems.

Antivirus products like endpoint protection create an extra layer of protection so that even if malware does manage to get onto your computer, you have something to detect and remove it before it disrupts the entire network.

Antivirus software works by not only detecting and removing viruses, but protecting your data from all different types of attacks. For example, web security tools can help prevent phishing attacks and block malicious websites, and anti-ransomware tools can protect data on your devices from being encrypted and held for ransom.

If you need to buy antivirus you can buy Protegent360 Antivirus

Mobile workforces mean mobile vulnerabilities

Mobile devices enable unprecedented flexibility in the workplace. Laptops make it easy to work from home or on the go, and phones and tablets allow convenient access to email and data in the cloud even without a computer. However, these new ways of working bring new risks. Appropriate mobile device security is critical to keeping your network secure.

The more endpoints you have connected to your network—whether they're laptops, phones, or other devices—the more opportunities there are for attacks, and the more likely it is that one of the devices will be compromised. A comprehensive endpoint security solution protects against all angles of attack in real-time and ensures that new devices don't leave the rest of your network vulnerable.

Small businesses are increasingly using BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies to allow flexibility and save costs by allowing employees to use their own laptops and phones for work. However, because BYOD introduces unprotected devices to the network, it makes the business more vulnerable and the need for robust endpoint protection is even more important. Multiple devices are not only a risk when connected to workplace Wi-Fi networks. Cloud services such as email and cloud data storage that can be accessed off-site can be compromised by compromised devices.

Training employees to understand the risks of phishing and clicking certain links is important, but phishing attacks are also becoming more sophisticated. They can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate emails and sites even for those experienced in detecting them.

 Relying on caution on an individual level is not only risky, but can create unnecessary stress as one mistake can be costly. The UK government estimates that the average cost of a single cyber attack to businesses is almost £10,000 – with some costing much more. The right antivirus solution gives you the confidence that there is always a last line of defense to protect you and your customers' data.

If I use Windows 10, do I need an antivirus?

With Windows 10, Microsoft released the new Windows Defender, its most up-to-date antivirus program yet. It's much better at detecting and removing viruses than its Windows 7 predecessor, Microsoft Security Essentials, but even in small businesses you'll likely have multiple computers, perhaps with different operating systems and update levels. For example, a small marketing agency might have Macs for designers and Windows computers for other employees. Computers that aren't used every day are also very likely to fall behind because updates won't be done regularly. Old versions of software are also a big risk if employees can work on their own devices, as they are unlikely to be managed by IT support. Any device that doesn't have the latest security updates can infect the entire network.

Although Windows Defender has many features similar to other antivirus solutions, tests have shown that it blocks harmless files or domains more often than other software. These "false positives" can worry small business owners.

When it comes to protecting your small business, there's no substitute for paid software that's tailored to the needs of your business. It's better to be protected by a system built by security experts than a system made by a tech company that also has a security feature.

 If you need to buy antivirus you can buy Protegent360 Antivirus.