Does My Business Need Virus Protection | Free Antivirus

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

Wondering if your business needs virus protection? The answer is yes. Even though  Windows 10  includes Windows Defender, an antivirus program with proven performance, investing in a dedicated antivirus solution can offer more comprehensive protection. Read this article to find out how antivirus solutions can protect your business and reduce the risk of costly cybersecurity breaches.

Why do I need antivirus software to protect my business?

Cyber ​​threats are constantly evolving. As operating systems and web browsers develop more effective methods of stopping viruses, cybercriminals compete in inventiveness to develop new types of attacks. Sophisticated new malware exploits undiscovered software vulnerabilities and can bypass the basic protection offered by your operating system and web browsers if you don't have a powerful anti-malware solution.

A growing number of cybersecurity threats target businesses specifically, with ransomware at the forefront. The SamSam ransomware, for example, wreaked havoc on a hospital in Indiana and the entire city of Atlanta (yes, the whole city). A  ransomware attack on the Port of San Diego crippled the entire platform. So you need an antivirus to protect your business against ransomware attacks.

Even though installing the latest security updates will protect your system from known threats, cybercriminals sell zero-day exploits on the black market to software companies - that is, as yet unknown vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities then allow malware to enter browsers and operating systems undetected.

Antivirus products like  Endpoint Protection add an extra layer of protection so that your computer can detect and remove malware that has managed to get in without damaging the entire network.

Antivirus software works not only by detecting and removing viruses but also by protecting your data from all 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 encryption and ransom demand.

Who says mobile work environment says mobile threats?

Portable devices offer unprecedented flexibility at work. Laptops make it easy to work from home or on the go, and phones and tablets provide easy access to email and cloud data, even without a computer. However, these new working methods entail new risks. Appropriate security of mobile devices is essential to keep your network secure.

The more endpoints you have connected to your network, whether they are laptops, phones, or other devices, the more possibilities there are for attacks, and the greater the risk that one of the devices will be compromised is high. A comprehensive endpoint security solution protects 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 reduce costs by allowing employees to use their own laptops and phones at work. However, BYOD allows the introduction of unprotected devices into the network, making the business more vulnerable and increasing the need for robust endpoint protection. More devices don't just create risks when connected to Wi-Fi networks in the workplace.

Cloud-based services like email and cloud data storage, which users can access outside of the workplace, can be put at risk by compromised devices.

Do I need an antivirus if I'm using Windows 10?

With Windows 10, Microsoft launched the new Windows Defender, its most recent free antivirus program. It is much better at detecting and removing viruses than its Windows 7 predecessor, Microsoft Security Essentials, but even in small businesses, you are likely to have multiple computers with different operating systems with varying levels of updates. day. For example, a small marketing agency might have Macs for designers and Windows computers for other employees. Computers that are not used every day are also very likely to experience some delay as updates will not be performed regularly.

Older versions of the software are also a major risk if employees are allowed to work on their own devices as they are unlikely to be tracked by IT support. Any device that does not have the latest security updates can leave the entire network vulnerable.

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

When it comes to protecting your small business, there is no substitute for paid software that is designed to meet your business needs. It is better to be protected by a system made by security experts than by a system made by a tech company that also has a security device.