Avast Blog_Bussines Secu: Is antivirus protection necessary for my business?

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With threats like ransomware, businesses can’t afford to leave their networks and data unsecured

If you've been wondering whether your business requires antivirus protection, the short answer is yes. Even though Windows 10 has its own well-rated built-in antivirus program, Windows Defender, investing in a dedicated antivirus solution can offer a more comprehensive protection. Read on to learn 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?

Cyberthreats are always evolving. As operating systems and web browsers have developed to more effectively stop viruses, cybercriminals have also been devising new types of attacks. Sophisticated new malware makes use of undiscovered software vulnerabilities, and can get through the basic protection offered by your operating system and web browsers if you don’t have a robust anti-malware solution in place.

An increasing number of cybersecurity threats are specifically targeted at businesses, with ransomware especially being a cause for concern. SamSam ransomware, for example, has previously brought down a hospital in Indiana and the city of Atlanta (yes, the whole city). And a ransomware attack against the Port of San Diego brought the transport hub to a standstill. You need antivirus to make sure your business is not vulnerable to a ransomware attack.

While installing the latest security updates will secure your system against known threats, bad actors sell ‘zero-day’ exploits - vulnerabilities yet unknown to software vendors - via online black markets. These exploits then allow 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 manages to get to your computer, you have something in place to detect and remove it before it disrupts the whole network.

Antivirus software works by not only detecting and removing viruses, but securing your data against 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 the data on your devices from being encrypted and held for ransom.

Mobile workforces mean mobile vulnerabilities

Mobile devices are allowing unprecedented flexibility in workplaces. Laptops make working from home or while travelling easy, and phones and tablets allow convenient access to emails and data in the cloud even without a computer. These new ways of working, however, come with new risks. Appropriate mobile device security is essential to keep your network safe.

The more endpoints you have connecting to your network - whether laptops, phones, or other devices - the more opportunities there are for attacks, and the higher the chance that one of the devices is compromised. A comprehensive endpoint security solution protects from all angles of attack in real time, and ensures that new devices aren’t leaving the rest of your network vulnerable.

Small businesses are increasingly using BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies to allow flexibility and save costs by letting employees use their own laptops and phones for work. However, as BYOD introduces unprotected devices to the network, it makes the business more vulnerable and the need for robust endpoint protection even more important. More devices don’t just create risk when they’re connected to the workplace Wi-Fi networks. Cloud services like email and cloud data storage, which can be accessed from outside the workplace, can be put at risk through compromised devices.

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