It takes only one rogue program to cripple a business. Malware can spread across a business network with devastating speed, encrypting files, stealing sensitive information, or even shutting down operations entirely. For small businesses, a malware attack can be incredibly costly when considering the damage to data and reputation, as well as potential legal fees.

Investing in reliable antivirus software is one of the most effective defenses for small businesses. Antivirus software works by scanning files and programs for known threats on top of monitoring system activity for any suspicious behavior. It’s one of the most basic and essential forms of cybersecurity, but with so many options in the market, finding the right one for your small business can be overwhelming.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some tips for finding the best antivirus for small businesses as well as our top recommendations.

Related reading: Best cybersecurity solutions for business in 2024

Factors for choosing the best antivirus for your small business

Choosing the right antivirus for your small business requires careful consideration of the following key factors.

Compatibility with existing infrastructure

Your existing infrastructure and security framework will determine the type of antivirus software that will work best for your small business. For example, if you already have other business security measures in place, you may not need an antivirus with advanced features such as a built-in firewall or secure web browsing. On the other hand, if your business has sensitive data or handles financial transactions, you may want to invest in more robust protection.

The operating systems, devices, and software your business uses are also crucial factors to consider. Some antivirus programs may be incompatible with certain operating systems (e.g., Windows only or Mac only) or require more resources than your devices can handle. In such cases, it’s important to thoroughly check the antivirus software’s minimum system requirements before making a purchase.

IT budget

Small businesses often operate on limited budgets, and cybersecurity is one of many priorities vying for attention. When evaluating antivirus options, look for solutions that balance cost and performance. Many providers offer tiered pricing plans where you can start with basic protection and scale up as your needs grow. 

Keep in mind that while free antivirus software might seem appealing, it often lacks critical features such as real-time monitoring or advanced threat detection, which are essential for business environments.

Malware detection rates

Malware threat detection rates refer to the percentage of malicious files an antivirus program can successfully identify and block. Pay special attention to independent lab tests and reviews when evaluating detection rates, as they provide unbiased and comprehensive assessments of different antivirus programs. 

Detection rates will usually be graded according to:

  • True positives – the number of malicious files correctly identified and blocked
  • False positives – legitimate files mistakenly detected as malware
  • Missed files – malicious files that were not detected by the antivirus
  • Update frequency – how often the antivirus updates its database of known threats

Reliable and reputable antivirus programs will have high true positive rates and low false positive rates, thereby preventing disruptions to legitimate system processes.

Threat prevention and removal capabilities

The best antivirus software can actively prevent threats in real time. Look for features like continuous scanning that monitor for suspicious activities as they happen, blocking malware before it gains access to your systems. Additionally, the software should include rapid infection removal capabilities, allowing you to quarantine and remove threats quickly to minimize downtime and damage.

System performance impact

Antivirus software functions by running in the background of your system. However, malware scanning can be resource-intensive and may slow down your devices if the antivirus software is not optimized. It’s therefore crucial to read performance reviews and testing metrics. Look for lightweight antivirus solutions that are resource-efficient and unobtrusive.

Ease of use

Choose antivirus protection with a straightforward installation process, an intuitive dashboard, and automatic updates. Vendor support is another important feature to consider, ideally, it should have 24/7 customer service and readily accessible online resources for troubleshooting technical issues. These features make it easier for your team to maintain and manage the antivirus software, keeping you protected without interrupting your work.

Additional features

Many antivirus programs now offer extra features that go beyond basic protection, which can add significant value to your investment. The features to look out for include built-in virtual private networks (VPNs), password managers, and centralized endpoint protection. Other features, such as hard drive integrity monitoring and system performance cleanup tools, ensure your devices stay healthy and efficient. Depending on your business’s unique needs, these extras can save money by consolidating multiple tools into one solution.

Best business antivirus software recommendations

While many antivirus programs offer robust protection, these three stand out for their comprehensive features, reliability, and strong reputations:

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender comes preinstalled on Windows devices, making it a cost-effective and accessible choice for small businesses. Its integration with Microsoft 365 enhances security through advanced threat protection and automated responses.

Key features:

  • Real-time malware and ransomware defense
  • Endpoint detection and response for deeper insights
  • Remote management capabilities through Microsoft Endpoint Manager
  • Comprehensive protection for the entire Microsoft ecosystem

Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton 360 Deluxe is perfect for small businesses seeking robust protection with added features like identity theft monitoring and VPN capabilities. Its user-friendly interface also simplifies cybersecurity management.

Key features:

  • Advanced anti-malware and phishing protection
  • Secure VPN for encrypted web browsing
  • 50 GB cloud backup for critical data
  • Password manager to safeguard credentials

Bitdefender

Bitdefender offers a lightweight yet powerful antivirus solution that ensures maximum protection without compromising system performance. It’s ideal for small businesses looking for advanced threat detection.

Key features:

  • AI-driven malware detection
  • Ransomware remediation to recover encrypted files
  • Centralized online management platform for simplified oversight and endpoint security
  • Web filtering to block malicious sites

If you need more help finding the right antivirus solutions for your small business, lean on Dynamic Solutions Group. Our security experts can evaluate your needs, budget, and security goals, and we’ll use our partnerships with leading antivirus providers to help you select and deploy the best solution for your business. Contact us now.