Antivirus programs are among the first lines of defense between hackers and your business’s sensitive data. These tools can help block the most diverse of malware attacks, including internet ransomware, Trojans, spyware and more. Even the most effective antivirus software won’t provide total protection against cyber-attacks. It should be paired with other security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. strong passwords, and multifactor authentication.

To determine which antivirus software is best for you, begin by analyzing the program’s detection rate. These numbers show the amount of files, programs and other items the program detects and prevents from entering the system. Also, make sure to check for the ability to detect heuristics. This type of analysis could detect malware that was previously not detected by examining computer behaviors. This feature must be adjusted to be able to avoid “alert overload” and excessive security warnings that can distract employees from important tasks.

Another aspect to consider is additional safety features that the antivirus software may offer. This could include the use of a VPN security feature, identity theft protection, password managers and parental controls, among other. This will safeguard your employees and customers while also ensuring compliance and avoiding crippling fines for data breaches.

Hackers are interested in your business regardless of how large or small. These cyber criminals are seeking massive caches of consumer information or are looking to establish a name for themselves with hacktivism (disrupting professional systems for social or political reasons). Anti-virus software can be an excellent place to begin.