Antivirus and internet security software solutions act as the first and last line of defense between your small business's devices, their sensitive data and unauthorized access from outside entities. Though there are countless options out there, we whittled the field down to 15 major players during our evaluation process before selecting our best picks. We feel these options provide a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform that most small businesses can implement without breaking the bank.
\r\nWhen it comes to antivirus software, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced (KESBA) has a layered defense that can shield an entire company from a range of internet threats at little more than $57 per seat. With its highly customizable security protocols, industry-leading malware disinfection and relatively lightweight software, businesses in need of an endpoint security platform would be hard-pressed to find a better option.
\r\nKaspersky has long been known as a leader in cybersecurity. For this platform, the company adopted a multilayered approach to its security measures, combining local machine scans with real-time protection methods. The combination works in tandem to create a system that persistently seeks out system-altering code for potential threats and works to eliminate them. If a suspicious item is found, the program sends the offending item to the Kaspersky Security Network for analysis.
\r\nIn addition to providing real-time threat protection, KESBA can fully integrate with Kaspersky's Sandbox, providing a safe area for IT departments to test software without risking an actual machine. Along with being able to monitor when systems in a company's network log on, the platform can then set up appropriate policies and access levels for those systems in real time. IT administrators can set individual permissions for each user, with the option to establish two-factor authentication for added security.
\r\nKESBA hosts a bevy of other features, including a host-based intrusion prevention system that can block unwanted programs in real time while leaving safe programs alone; a powerful firewall to block unauthorized entry and removal of data from systems; employee internet browsing controls; and a patch management system that ensures devices, operating systems, and major apps are perpetually up to date.
\r\nFor the more privacy- and security-minded company looking to keep data locked down, the platform comes with the option of data protection using FIPS 104.2 and common criteria-certified encryption methods at the full disk or per-file level using tools like Microsoft BitLocker and macOS FileVault. If a company phone or tablet is lost or stolen, anti-theft measures in the platform allow for the device to be located via GPS, forced to sound an alarm, or be locked down or wiped remotely.
\r\nKESBA provides multiple protection layers for today's most-used systems, including Windows, Linux, Mac-powered machines, Android and other mobile devices. In addition to individual machines, KESBA provides security for Windows and Linux servers, Windows Server containers, and removable storage.
\r\nPricing for KESBA depends entirely on how many licenses you need. Pricing starts at $575 for 10 single-year licenses and goes up to $7,000 for 100 licenses good for three years. These prices put KESBA on the lower end of cost compared to its competitors.
\r\nAs far as the platform's interface is concerned, the web-based management console puts everything in one place, regardless of how many users it's monitoring at any given moment. While running, an IT professional can control policies, schedule reporting and make changes to single systems or the entire fleet with relative ease. At the employee level, administrators can make it so the system doesn't show up at all, since it will continue running in the background.
\r\nWhile the system runs great, we were disappointed that it didn't come with a file shredder. We also noticed that the system's file scanner ran slower than other options, though your results may be different based on the specifications of your computer. It should also be noted that due to Kaspersky's relation to the Russian Federation's military, it was banned for use in systems used by the federal government. Though the company says it has nothing to hide and is not part of the Russian government, it may be a cooling factor for some companies.
","fullReview":"With a layered defensive posture that covers a variety of threats, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced can protect an entire company from the worst the web has to offer. It can be customized by adjusting its sensitivity, setting up companywide policies and using its patch management system to not only update systems but load new software. Many items can be grayed out so that users can't change a company's default security configuration.
\r\nView all of our internet security and antivirus software reviews on our best picks page.
\r\nMore to the point, this software solution has the virtue of being moderately priced while catching every piece of malware thrown at it and not inordinately slowing a computer down. It's a must-have for any security-minded company.
\r\nKaspersky's Endpoint Security for Business Advanced (KESBA) is an effective way to wall off a company's digital assets from a hostile outside world. Based on a multilayered approach to security, KESBA combines traditional local scanning with heuristic behavioral monitoring to catch a variety of threats before they get out of control.
\r\nKESBA proactively searches for system-altering code and anything identified as suspicious is sent to the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) for analysis by artificial intelligence agents. The cloud-based lab sends out updates hourly.
\r\nOn top of trying new software out in a virtual sandbox that can't affect the rest of the system, the program keeps an up-to-date hardware inventory and can be used to recognize systems as they log on. It sets up the appropriate policies and access. Security-conscious IT administrators (and which ones aren't these days) can even set up two-factor authentication or require systems with Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) to connect.
\r\nThe program's Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) can stop unwanted programs in real time while leaving safe programs alone. Meanwhile, KESBA's firewall stops unauthorized entry and blocks the exfiltrating of data from systems.
\r\nKESBA lets you centrally create security and access policies, which can be applied to single employees, groups or across the board. The program can control employee browsing policies as well as which external devices, like flash drives, are allowed. The Web and Application Control features are akin to parental controls for employees by allowing IT folks to place certain apps (like games) or web sites (like porn or social media) off limits.
\r\nIts patch management system does the expected, continually scanning the operating system and major apps to ensure they have the latest updates. It can perform the updates as they appear automatically, on a schedule or during off hours, and includes remote troubleshooting. Unlike most patch management systems, KESBA can distribute new apps.
\r\nFor a company's closest secrets, there's KESBA's choice of full-disk or file encryption using AES-256. On the downside, the program lacks a file shredder.
\r\nThe server version of the software can block email attachments that contain malware, stopping a phishing attempt in its tracks. The software works with IBM Domino and Microsoft Exchange systems.
\r\nWith KESBA, a lost or stolen phone or tablet doesn't have to lead to a breach, because any can be locked or wiped remotely. Unfortunately, this isn't available with Windows and Mac clients.
\r\nA word of caution: Based on fears that Kaspersky has a Russian military connection, the federal government has banned the use of Kaspersky products in government agencies. That doesn't mean you have to as well, because a Kaspersky representative responded that they have nothing to hide and are not a part of any government. The company is moving its KSN infrastructure out of Russia with a new data center in Switzerland and one coming to North America next year. Finally, the company offers up to a $100,000 bounty to anyone who can find a vulnerability in the company's software.
\r\nKaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced works with Windows (versions 7, 8, 8.1 and 10) and Mac (OSX 10.9 to 10.14) desktops and notebooks, as well as a variety of Linux systems. The software works with Windows Server 2008 through Server 2012 and virtual platforms like VMWare Workstation 12, Microsoft Hyper-V 2016 and Citrix XenServer 7.14 and 7.2.
\r\nYou can cover the company's phones and tablets that run on Android or iOS software with the Security for Mobile app. Due to restrictions from Apple, the iOS version doesn't scan for viruses.
\r\nKaspersky Endpoint Security for Business can be downloaded directly or sent from the security console. The 207MB Windows 10 package starts by unpacking its elements and just about installs itself. You'll need to agree to the software license and allow Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) to lift suspect code from your company's systems; it can be turned off at any time. If you like, Kaspersky can set up an in-house version called Kaspersky Private Security Network.
\r\nAfter entering its license keys manually, from a flash drive or LAN file, the software is ready to raise your company's security stance. It took 16 minutes and 30 seconds to load the program on our HP Elitebook Folio G1 notebook with the latest version of Windows 10. That's on the slow side and might prove to be tedious.
\r\nKaspersky Endpoint Security for Business is in the upper echelon of security programs that is on a par with Bitdefender GravityZone. In AV-TEST's November-December 2018 survey of Windows 10 systems, the program protected against 100% of popular and Zero-Day threats with no false positives to annoy and slow down users. This puts it on a par with Bitdefender's GravityZone.
\r\nOn the downside, the protection was at the cost of a bit of a slowdown of the system but was better than run-of-the-mill business security software. For instance, using the Kaspersky defenses caused websites to load 15% slower, versus the average of 20%. It lowered the launch of popular apps by 9%, slightly better than the average of 11%.
\r\nOverall, it's a slow scanner, with it taking 19 minutes and 25 seconds to run a Full Scan of our Windows 10 HP EliteBook Folio notebook with a 1.2-GHz M7 processor, 8GB of RAM, 250GB of solid-state storage. The scan examined nearly 400,000 individual files. That's slightly slower than Bitdefender GravityZone Ultra, which looked at 50% more files.
\r\nBy contrast, the package took 2 minutes and 40 seconds to look at 3,865 files with its Critical Areas scan; the Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business lacks a quick scan option. By contrast, a Quick Scan with GravityZone took 28.4 seconds to examine 49,348 files.
\r\nThe program's main screen is functional, can be moved around and is compact. Taking up half the display's real estate, it can't be resized, but IT administrators can make it disappear on client systems. The protection is still there, but there's nothing to see or adjust.
\r\nWhile KESBA runs the risk of overwhelming employees because everything is in your face, there's a large check mark front and center to effectively let users know that the system is safe and secure. To the left is a list of protection technologies that are active; each item leads to a description of it and recent activity, like black- and whitelisting of objects.
\r\nBelow are Protection Components and Tasks. Tap or click and you get the details and the ability to set up Full Scans, Critical Areas Scans or run an Integrity check.
\r\nFinally, along the bottom of the main window are links for Reports, a repository for dangerous items the program found and a Settings link. In addition to a link to Kaspersky's support crew, KESBA has a place to see when the current license expires.
\r\nThe Kaspersky Security Center management console is a gem that puts everything in one place regardless of whether it's monitoring a dozen or a thousand users. It can not only control policies and schedule reporting but can make changes to single systems or the entire fleet.
\r\nIt can capture vital operational stats, like recent infections, that offer excellent feedback on network security. Its reports are configurable and can be emailed.
\r\nIf a system gets so overwhelmed with malware that it is unusable, Kaspersky's Rescue Disk 18 can help. By booting the machine in a secure Linux environment, it can be cleaned.
\r\nAt $57.49 per seat for up to 10 licenses, Endpoint Security for Business Advanced is a bargain compared to Bitdefender's Gravity Zone Ultra ($75.11), but slightly more than Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus ($54). When you get 50 licenses, the cost drops to $38.69.
\r\nKaspersky stands by its Endpoint Security for Business Advanced with technicians standing by 24 hours a day. In addition to being reachable by phone, email, online chat and directly through the app, Kaspersky offers a variety of downloads, setup help and virus-removal advice.
\r\nThe company offers four levels of premium support that includes faster response times and, for some, a dedicated account manager. The company can perform penetration testing, audits and other premium services.
\r\n"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=218&aff_id=1000&source=best-antivirus-and-internet-security&aff_sub4=revenue|sponsorship&aff_sub3=deal|CJ&url_id=1","name":"CJ"}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5e42ade29c658a9f0b8b4568/kaspersk_logo.png"}}},{"bullets":["Easy-to-use interface","Analytics-based antivirus","Detects Wi-Fi vulnerabilities"],"description":"Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus, our featured sponsor for this category, has a strong feature list, that offers nearly complete defense from the worst the web can throw at your business. However, it may sap your system's resources, and it lacks backup software.\r\n\r\nThe software includes a host of useful features, such as a two-way firewall, virtual private network (VPN), data shredder and a password manager. It is compatible with Windows 7 and newer and OSX 10.9 or newer.\r\n\r\nThe PC version includes Avast's Behavioral Shield, spam protection and Rescue Disk. In addition, Pro Plus for PCs goes a further by offering a secure sandbox to test suspect code without risking the entire system, and it protects against emailed malware or hijacks of an employee's webcam and phishing attempts. The powerful management console monitors every computer in an organization, and it's good for mobile workers who may be vulnerable to online assaults.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Best Free Antivirus","isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best Free Antivirus","review":{"displayName":"Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/avast/","id":"7be511c693ea1dcf415904683a529499","url":"https://www.avast.com/business/products/business-antivirus-pro-plus","review":{"pros":["Zero-cost solution that's good for small teams","Comes with CyberCapture and Wi-Fi Inspector"],"cons":["Still lacking some potent features"],"fullReviewTest":"
While high-end security systems aimed at companies with their own servers or larger workforce are fine for those situations, they don't fit the bill for very small businesses or self-employed individuals. In those cases, free options like our best pick Avast Free Antivirus are perfectly capable methods of protection. Thanks to Avast's easy-to-use interface, top-notch security measures and low, low cost of free, this is an excellent program that will take no time to download and set up.
\r\nWhile Avast's premium services offer complex, multilayered protection for a monthly subscription fee, users of the company's free consumer-grade option get a taste of that as well. Like any good piece of antivirus software, Avast Free Antivirus can scan a device's memory and storage for all sorts of digital maladies, including viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware, and phishing. The company says its traditional scans use \"smart analytics\" to catch and kill threats before they cause major damage. The program also benefits from a Smart Scan function that seeks out potential weak points in a computer's defenses where malware could potentially seep in, including unsafe system settings, bad passwords, suspicious browser add-ons and software in dire need of an update.
\r\nThis free version of Avast's product includes CyberCapture technology, which automatically sends any suspicious files or programs to the company's servers for analysis. If it's seen as a threat while under investigation in the cloud, the company works on a fix that it can then send to all Avast users, strengthening computers around the world. Additionally, Avast Free Antivirus comes with a feature called the Behavior Shield, which acts similarly to the CyberCapture function by regularly checking on previously installed applications for any problems, making sure that a bad update or error in the code doesn't lead to any potential system infections.
\r\nA software updater is included in the software to ensure your programs are up to date. The program's Do Not Disturb mode is particularly useful if you rely on a laptop to deliver presentations on the go, since it blocks Avast's sometimes annoying notifications that seemingly only come up at the least opportune time. Avast Free Antivirus includes a password locker, if you need a centralized location to store all of your important passwords.
\r\nSince the program is free, it's especially great to see that it has an almost foolproof interface. The menus are easy to read, the icons and descriptions are immediately understandable, and it's easy to tell which features are free and which require a paid subscription. The program works well on its own, since users can set a schedule for future scans, and since it doesn't take up too much of a computer's resources to run, it can easily run as a set-and-forget piece of software.
\r\nWhile it's great to see all those features in a free program, it's hard not to shake the feeling that a lot of the premium features are greatly missed. Not having a sandbox virtual machine to safely test programs is a problem for some people, and the fact that it doesn't come with a firewall could be a deal-breaker for some. Most operating systems, however, come preinstalled with a competent firewall, so its omission isn't the end of the world.
\r\nWe were also a little put off by its support structure. While their website has an extensive knowledgebase that covers everything related to the company's products, we had a hard time trying to find an email or phone number for the company. The best we could find was a contact form to fill out and wait for a response.
\r\nStill, if you're looking for a free option that covers most of your security needs without breaking the bank, Avast Free Antivirus is the solution.
","fullReview":"Packed with security features that can protect a company's computers from attack, Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus offers nearly complete defense from the worst that the web can throw at your business. From its firewall and Virtual Private Network (VPN) to a data shredder and password manager, Pro Plus can keep data safe and secure. On the downside, it let known viruses through, saps too much of a system's resources and lacks backup software.
\r\nView all our internet security and antivirus software reviews on our best picks page.
\r\nLike other malware programs, Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus uses overlapping defensive techniques: traditional scanning of the system's memory and storage for known viruses followed by heuristic behavioral analysis to detect the signs of an attack. When the software sees something new and potentially dangerous, Avast's CyberCapture technology kicks in, sending a code snippet to Avast's cloud lab for analysis and a fix. Happily, all this occurs behind the scenes and your company can decline to send malware-related material to Avast.
\r\nIn addition to a two-way firewall, the PC version has Avast's Behavioral Shield, spam protection and Rescue Disk – all of which are absent. Pro Plus for PCs goes a couple of steps further with a secure sandbox that can try out suspect code without endangering the rest of the system and can protect against emailed malware or someone hijacking an employee's web cam and phishing attempts.
\r\nRather than just removing the File Allocation Table (FAT) entry for a file Pro Plus's data shredder randomly overwrites the file's contents. In other words, it's gone for good.
\r\nIts built-in password manager consolidates an unlimited number of log-in credentials, including for the company's data infrastructure, making online life safer and easier for employees. For those with a short attention span, Pro Plus has a Silent Mode that blocks malware warnings.
\r\nA must-have for companies with mobile workers, Avast's SecureLine VPN encrypts communications. The SecureLine network has servers in 34 countries – from Australia to the UK – including 16 locations in the US alone.
\r\nWith many of the same protective features, Kaspersky Small Office Security adds integrated backup and can help workers recover from a ransomware attack by copying key files and restoring them behind the scenes. It does without Pro Plus's VPN, though.
\r\nBusiness Antivirus Pro Plus's version 18.6 works with Windows (Windows 7 and newer) and servers (Windows Server 2008 through 2019 and Exchange Server 2010 through 2016). Apple Macintosh computers with OSX 10.9 or newer software can be protected as well.
\r\nAfter downloading the 7.3MB installer file, Avast's software does a quickie scan, followed by automatically installing the program. Because Pro Plus works with a server-based management console, you'll need to configure it to send email alerts. It took eight and a half minutes to download, install and configure the program to start protecting a PC.
\r\nBased on AV-TEST's most recent survey (July and August 2018), Pro Plus version 18.5 provides adequate, but not airtight protection. During July, Avast's software identified and disinfected 99.2- and 99.9-percent of zero-day and widespread threats. This improved to perfect 100 percent scores in August, showing that the software adapts to new threats. The competition (Kaspersky Small Office Security, Symantec Endpoint Protection and Trend Micro Office Scan) all had perfect 100 percent results in both months, though.
\r\nPro Plus protects without any annoying false positives, according to the AV-TEST results. The program did eat into system performance. A Standard PC slowed down the opening of popular Web sites and a dozen business apps by 24- and 14-percent. The competition had a lighter touch with Symantec's Endpoint Protection lowering performance by 10 percent on Web work and Trend Micro's Office Scan slowing the launch of apps by only 8 percent.
\r\nIt took the program 33 minutes and 50 second to do a Full Scan of my company's HP Elitebook Folio G1 with a 1.2GHz M7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 250GB of solid-state storage capacity; the scan looked at 859,409 files. The software performed a Smart Scan of the newest threats (including new viruses, passwords, browser add-ons and network weaknesses) to the system in 21.9 seconds.
\r\nThe Pro Plus client interface is functional and occupies half of the system's screen. Dark blue, it can seem ominous, but the main Status screen is dominated by a prominent check mark in the middle to show the system is safe. It turns to a red exclamation mark if you're under attack or the license has expired.
\r\nUp front, Pro Plus's side tabs lead to Protection (including scanning, the Sandbox and Firewall), Privacy (including the VPN, password manager and Data Shredder) and Performance (including the software updater). The program's Settings section gives access to customize features but be prepared to do some scrolling up and down to get to what you want.
\r\nPro Plus has a Task Tray icon that provides a handy backdoor to the program. It includes instant access to updating the software, turning on its silent mode and opening the full interface.
\r\nThe Administration Console is powerful and shows the current virus definitions in use across your company's computers. Company IT admins can also track scanning results and send an alert about an incomplete scan or malware found on an employee's computer.
\r\nWhile Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus costs $60 for a single seat per year, a 10-pack license goes for $540 ($54 per seat) and a 50-pack license costs $2,200 ($44 per seat). By comparison, Kaspersky Small Office Security is a bargain at $150 for 5 users ($30 a seat) and $1,080 for 45 users ($24 each).
\r\nIf an employee has a problem with an infection, Avast has a dedicated team for business support. They get 24-hour treatment on weekdays, but there are no technicians available on weekends for emergencies. In addition to a thorough knowledgebase and forum with common problems and solutions, Avast lets you submit support tickets.
\r\nThe software includes a way to make a rescue disk that could help revive a computer overloaded with malware. It takes a few minutes to set up and can be loaded onto a flash drive or DVD.
\r\nLastPass Teams continues the company's line of excellent password managers that can help make your personal online security stronger by providing the tools to make sure your passwords are extremely difficult to break. Along with its ability to run on nearly every platform and most browsers, LastPass Teams has an intuitive interface that lets managers determine how company passwords are used and disseminated among employees for a great price.
\r\nWe all use passwords. For some of us, that reality means having dozens of passwords across multiple accounts. Password managers like LastPass Teams make it so you don't have to remember every single password you set, and it makes it even less likely you commit the cardinal sin of reusing the same passwords over and over again.
\r\nAs a business-grade password locker, LastPass Teams lets managers set permissions for all kinds of company logins. Administrators can easily add or remove employees from the system, share passwords with those who need access, and set restrictions for each employee to make sure the wrong person doesn't get access to some of the system's more powerful and important features.
\r\nOn the administrator dashboard, an up-to-date report showcases how secure the company's password setup is, with things like an average security score, the average password strength and the number of users with a weak security challenge score. Even more important is the system's ability to find and note things like recurring master passwords, which employees use to enter their own LastPass vaults, or the number of employees with weak master passwords. Being able to locate these vulnerabilities allows the administrator to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and mitigate them before things go sideways.
\r\nAdministrators can set requirements for system users, including things like requiring multifactor authentication and setting requirements for how passwords are made, like a minimum number of lowercase characters in a password or if special characters are allowed at all. The more unpredictable a password can be, the less likely it is to be quickly broken by someone trying to get in.
\r\nSince LastPass Teams is compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows-based computers, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices, users have access to all their passwords wherever they are able to log in to the system. LastPass even has a browser plugin that can automatically input passwords if accessed from a trusted machine.
\r\nLastPass Teams costs $4 per user, per month and clocks in at one of the best values in the password manager space. There are additional service tiers that include more robust features and higher user counts, with the most expensive tier clocking in at $8 per user, per month for a more enterprise and MFA-level solution.
\r\nFrom a usability standpoint, LastPass Teams has an interface that anyone can use. Once you log in, all of your passwords are shown with large buttons depicting each website associated with the appropriate username and password. End users don't have to worry about any additional functionality beyond that point, though tools like a password generator are available in the menus.
\r\nWhile the system itself is great, occasionally it either inputs the wrong information or is too quick when doing so. In both instances, that can lead to wrong passwords and usernames getting submitted before the user has time to change their credentials. With secure sites often only allowing a certain number of missed logins before the user is locked out, that can be a huge headache. It's also worth noting that LastPass Teams is only good for teams comprising up to 50 employees.
","fullReview":"LastPass Teams continues the company's line of excellent password managers that can help make your personal online security stronger by providing the tools to make sure your passwords are extremely difficult to break. Along with its ability to run on nearly every platform and most browsers, LastPass Teams has an intuitive interface that lets managers determine how company passwords are used and disseminated among employees for a great price.
\r\nView all of our recommendations for internet security and antivirus software on our best picks page.
\r\nWe all use passwords. For some of us, that reality means having dozens of passwords across multiple accounts. Password managers like LastPass Teams make it so you don't have to remember every single password you set, and it makes it even less likely you commit the cardinal sin of reusing the same passwords over and over again.
\r\nAs a business-grade password locker, LastPass Teams lets managers set permissions for all kinds of company logins. Administrators can easily add or remove employees from the system, share passwords with those who need access, and set restrictions for each employee to make sure the wrong person doesn't get access to some of the system's more powerful and important features.
\r\nOn the administrator dashboard, an up-to-date report showcases how secure the company's password setup is, with things like an average security score, the average password strength and the number of users with a weak security challenge score. Even more important is the system's ability to find and note things like recurring master passwords, which employees use to enter their own LastPass vaults, or the number of employees with weak master passwords. Being able to locate these vulnerabilities allows the administrator to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and mitigate them before things go sideways.
\r\nAdministrators can set requirements for system users, including things like requiring multifactor authentication and setting requirements for how passwords are made, like a minimum number of lowercase characters in a password or if special characters are allowed at all. The more unpredictable a password can be, the less likely it is to be quickly broken by someone trying to get in.
\r\nSince LastPass Teams is compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows-based computers, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices, users have access to all their passwords wherever they are able to log in to the system. LastPass even has a browser plugin that can automatically input passwords if accessed from a trusted machine.
\r\nLastPass Teams costs $4 per user, per month and clocks in at one of the best values in the password manager space. There are additional service tiers that include more robust features and higher user counts, with the most expensive tier clocking in at $8 per user, per month for a more enterprise and MFA-level solution.
\r\nFrom a usability standpoint, LastPass Teams has an interface that anyone can use. Once you log in, all of your passwords are shown with large buttons depicting each website associated with the appropriate username and password. End users don't have to worry about any additional functionality beyond that point, though tools like a password generator are available in the menus.
\r\nWhile the system itself is great, occasionally it either inputs the wrong information or is too quick when doing so. In both instances, that can lead to wrong passwords and usernames getting submitted before the user has time to change their credentials. With secure sites often only allowing a certain number of missed logins before the user is locked out, that can be a huge headache. It's also worth noting that LastPass Teams is only good for teams comprising up to 50 employees.
"},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://www.lastpass.com/","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ebea4835a215efc058b4573/lastpass_logo.png"}}},{"bullets":["Installs in a few minutes ","Threat level customizations","Cloud-based support"],"description":"Bitdefender GravityZone Ultra blocks malware intrusions, network hacks and tricky fileless exploits. The company's software suite leads the industry in terms of thwarting attacks, and it uses a single agent, which lowers the startup hurdles and system resources it requires. Bitdefender GravityZone Ultra's one-agent approach provides the thorough protection that companies demand for top-to-bottom protection. Plus, it is one of the rare programs that provides effective defenses without slowing down a company's computers.\r\n\r\nAt $66.36 per seat or server when you outfit up to 149 devices, BitDefender GravityZone Ultra is expensive compared to other security suites but worth every penny for its thorough approach to malware and defending a company's data.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Best Internet Security Suite","isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best Internet Security Suite","review":{"displayName":"Bitdefender","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/bitdefender/","id":"bb0535dcf522911193fc1ade9c1f2d79","url":"https://bitdefender.evyy.net/c/1304719/349468/4466?subid1=bdc%7cinternet-security-antivirus-software","review":{"pros":["Automated threat detection and response","Can create reports based on activity and potential threats"],"cons":["Pricier than other options"],"fullReviewTest":"Bitdefender GravityZone Ultra Suite is a powerful, single-agent security suite that provides excellent protection covering multiple attack vectors. Though it's pricier than its competitors, Bitdefender's bland, yet simple interface allows for an easy-to-use, automated solution that can provide real-time security data.
\r\nUtilizing modern layered endpoint protection, Bitdefender GravityZone Ultra provides effective defense for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as Android or iOS phones and tablets. The system uses traditional signature scanning for known bad agents while also implementing its real-time monitoring capabilities to scope out early signs of an attack.
\r\nEach system that has the suite installed is hardened with encryption and supported with patch management and web threat detection software. GravityZone Ultra can not only disinfect and quarantine malware-infected software, but it can eradicate exploits before they happen, mitigate damage caused from an attack, and terminate malicious code before it takes over a system.
\r\nAlong the way, GravityZone's Event Recorder monitors and archives all processes, files, registry, network events and changes, making infection recovery easier. Should a system get so overburdened with malware that it becomes unresponsive, Bitdefender's Rescue software can boot the system in a secure Linux environment, thoroughly clean it and recover its data.
\r\nThe key is that GravityZone Ultra consolidates all security protection into a single software agent that is controlled by an integrated console, delivering effective control and protection with low overhead. Many policies and actions can be handled remotely, like initiating scans or grabbing updates, to react to a new exploit.
\r\nThe system has a sandbox virtual machine for safely inspecting suspect programs. In addition, GravityZone Ultra's process inspector, HyperDetect and Process Inspector, can ferret out novel threats from fileless intrusions to ransomware attacks that can cripple an entire business.
\r\nIt has a two-way firewall that can block data traffic coming into or going out of the system. It works with disk-level encryption using BitLocker (for Windows systems) and File Vault (for Macs) but lacks file-level encryption.
\r\nGravityZone Ultra lacks several items that more mobile organizations might miss. For instance, it does without a file shredder for making items permanently disappear. There's neither a built-in virtual private network (VPN) nor a hardened browser that forces the use of a secure connection. The assumption is that a company will have the former, which makes the latter superfluous. Still, these items can help create a ring fence around a company's digital infrastructure.
\r\nAt $75.11 per seat for 25 to 49 licenses with no separate server licensing fee, GravityZone Ultra costs more than comparable solutions offered by Bitdefender's competitors.
\r\nIts interface may look bland, but GravityZone Ultra squeezes a lot into a small format. The most powerful part of the program is the four-square logo in the upper left of the screen, which lets you fine-tune the security stance. It allows the turning on or off of things like Wi-Fi monitoring, anti-phishing and data protection – but only if you let employees have the control, because any of these items can be grayed out. A task tray icon rounds out the interactive elements, but it only offers a link to the main window.
\r\nGravityZone's Dashboard is powerful, with the ability to operate on a single system, a group or every computer in the company's fleet. It provides the ability to set and exercise policies, check on software updates and assign rules. In addition to colorful graphs of activity and threats, it can create reports.
\r\nBitdefender GravityZone technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone, email and chat. The site has plenty of self-serve resources available, plus add-on options like training, setup, and three tiers of premium service for faster response, as well as periodic security assessments.
","fullReview":"Bitdefender's Gravity Zone Ultra can protect every computer in an organization by blocking malware intrusions, network hacks and tricky fileless exploits. It not only leads the pack at thwarting attacks, new and old, but the program uses a single agent to do it all, lowering the startup hurdles and system resources it requires.
\r\nView all of our recommendations for internet security and antivirus software on our best picks page.
\r\nGravityZone Ultra can be customized to respond to the perceived threat level, and just about every aspect can be remotely activated through GravityZone's dashboard. From its firewall and Process Inspector to its HyperDetect and Patch Management system, GravityZone Ultra goes all out to protect a company's digital infrastructure while its one-agent approach can do it without slowing a company down.
\r\nBitdefender GravityZone Ultra provides effective defense from a hostile online world with layered endpoint protection. It uses traditional signature scanning for known bad agents but places a heavy burden on the program's heuristic behavior monitoring for the early signs of an assault and its artificial intelligence recognition in the company's online lab. Every day the system analyzes potential threats and sends out updates to its business users.
\r\nIn addition, each system is hardened with encryption, patch management and web threat detection. The program can snuff out exploits before they are executed and clean up after an attack. Finally, GravityZone Ultra can not only disinfect and quarantine dangerous software but terminate insidious threats before they take over a system.
\r\nThe key is that GravityZone Ultra consolidates all security protection into a single software agent that is controlled by an integrated console, delivering effective control and protection with low overhead. Many policies and actions can be handled remotely, like initiating scans or grabbing updates, to react to a new exploit.
\r\nIn addition to a sandbox for safely trying out suspect programs, GravityZone Ultra's Process Inspector, HyperDetect and Process Inspector can ferret out novel threats. From fileless intrusions that exist only in a system's memory to ransomware attacks that encrypt files, the program can stop a variety of attacks in their tracks.
\r\nThis level of defense has the potential to slow business, but Bitdefender's HyperDetect allows you to tune the software's malware response to suit the environment. It can be adjusted remotely and allow the running of local scripts that the company uses.
\r\nGravityZone Ultra includes a two-way firewall that can block data traffic coming into or going out of the system. It works with disk-level encryption using BitLocker (for Windows systems) and File Vault (for Macs) but lacks file-level encryption.
\r\nAlso, GravityZone Ultra lacks several items that more mobile organizations might miss. For instance, it does without a file shredder for making items permanently disappear. There's neither a built-in virtual private network (VPN) nor a hardened browser that forces the use of a secure connection. The assumption is that a company will have the former, which makes the latter superfluous. Still, these items can help create a ring fence around a company's digital infrastructure.
\r\nAlong the way, GravityZone's Event Recorder monitors and archives all processes, files, registry, network events and changes, making infection recovery easier. Should a system get so overburdened with malware that it becomes unresponsive, Bitdefender's Rescue software can boot the system in a secure Linux environment, thoroughly clean it and recover its data.
\r\nSo that every system has the latest software, GravityZone Ultra includes powerful patch management. After a quick scan, it identifies the needed updates to the operating system and major apps. This can be done locally or remotely.
\r\nGravityZone Ultra can protect Windows, Macs and Linux computers as well as phones and tablets using Android or iOS software. Installing Version 6.6.7 of GravityZone Ultra starts with a 4.3MB download that performs a quick scan of the system. Following the system scan, the program installs itself.
\r\nComputers can be protected via a direct download, through an emailed link, using third-party tools or even through the company's dashboard. This makes it easy and quick to deploy the software for new employees or satellite offices.
\r\nUsing our HP Elitebook Folio G1 notebook with a 1.2-GHz M7 processor, 8GB of RAM, 250GB of solid-state storage and the latest version of Windows 10, it took 6.5 minutes to set up GravityZone Ultra. That's several minutes faster than Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus.
\r\nOverall, GravityZone Ultra does an excellent job of protecting systems from all sorts of attacks. Data from AV-TEST shows it caught everything the German malware testing organization threw at it in the organization's September and October 2018 round of testing. Better yet, it had no false positive warnings to annoy users.
\r\nAlong the way, it slowed systems down slightly but unevenly. At a 12% slowdown for opening popular websites, it was slightly worse than the 11% industry average, according to AV-TEST. The single agent philosophy shows up with GravityZone slowing the launch of AV-TEST's 12 standard apps by 6%, about half the industry average of 11%.
\r\nOur HP EliteBook Folio system took an average of 17 minutes and 50 seconds to perform a full scan of the system that looked at an average of 605,836 files. A quick scan took 28.4 seconds to examine 49,348 files. At about half the time for other business security products to do the same thing, GravityZone Ultra is a speed demon.
\r\nIts Windows 10 interface may look bland, but GravityZone Ultra squeezes a lot into a small format. Its half-screen window can't be enlarged but can be moved around. It provides instant access to overall security status: a green check means everything is OK, while an orange exclamation point requires attention and red warns of danger.
\r\nBelow is a list of recent tasks, including updates, scans and firewall changes. To the right are icons that lead to the program's modules and scanning options. It, however, lacks an instant-access link to the company's support staff.
\r\nThe most powerful part of the program is the four-square logo in the upper left, which lets you fine-tune the security stance. It allows the turning on or off of things like Wi-Fi monitoring, anti-phishing and data protection – but only if you let employees have the control, because any of these items can be grayed out. A task tray icon rounds out the interactive elements, but it only offers a link to the main window.
\r\nGravityZone's Dashboard is powerful with the ability to operate on a single system, a group or every computer in the company's fleet. It provides the ability to set and exercise policies, check on software updates and assign rules. In addition to colorful graphs of activity and threats, it can create reports.
\r\nAt $75.11 per seat for 25 to 49 licenses, GravityZone Ultra costs a lot more than Avast Business Antivirus Pro Plus and other business security packages. The price drops to $66.36 for up to 149 clients. There's no separate server licensing fee.
\r\nBitdefender GravityZone provides basic support with technicians available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, email and chat window. The site has lots of self-serve resources available as well as extra-cost options, like training, setup and three tiers of premium service for faster response and dedicated account managers as well as periodic security assessments.
"},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://bitdefender.evyy.net/c/1304719/349468/4466?subid1=bdc%7cinternet-security-antivirus-software","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5cf54e689c658a2d1d8b4573/bitdefender.png"}}},{"bullets":null,"description":"Technology today doesn't tolerate slowdown, which sets McAfee Security for Business back, but the software still offers solid protection and management features.","descriptionTest":"","fullTitle":"Featured Service","isFeaturedBestPick":true,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Featured Service","review":{"displayName":"McAfee","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/service-href/","id":"2c646dcc663ab86604a79e5f17235dbc","url":"http://www.shopmcafee.com/store/mfesmb/en_us/pd/productid.286141800?cid=mfe-psp068","review":{"pros":["McAfee Security for Business is only available in the cloud, making it very easy for small businesses to manage their networks and devices."],"cons":["AV-TEST gives McAfee a four out of six in performance, which means the software can slow down your computer."],"fullReviewTest":null,"fullReview":"McAfee is a well-known brand that many users trust, but based on tests conducted through AV-TEST, a third-party antivirus testing organization, the software can slow your computer down. Is there anything more annoying than your computer running sluggishly? It's hard to say, maybe holding for customer service, but in McAfee's case, slowing down your computer is a serious consideration.
\r\nThis antivirus software may be a resource drain, scoring a four out of six in AV-TEST's performance category, but it can protect you from malware and won't bog down your employees with false positives. AV-TEST gave McAfee high scores in both protection and usability. In other words, it stops hazardous malware, viruses and malicious sites while allowing safe content, without confusing the two. While the software is doing its job, you won't have to worry too much, because it has all the helpful management options, including cloud hosting, reports and a management console.
\r\nManaging your software is important since, as your business grows, you'll have more devices. Connecting, configuring and monitoring all your devices from one spot makes controlling your security much easier. This software can only be hosted in the cloud, which makes managing your equipment significantly easier. Cloud hosting is also low maintenance, so small businesses without dedicated IT resources don't need to stress.
\r\nAnother helpful feature of this antivirus software is the reporting tool. From this feature you can customize and generate reports on your network activity and security risks. This makes it very easy for someone with minimal IT knowledge to stay up to speed with their devices.
\r\nMcAfee also has all the help and support you will need. They have phone, email, live chat, 24/7 support and an online knowledgebase to answer your questions. Usually the idea of dealing with tech support is like sitting in a traffic jam; you know you’re going to be stuck for a while. However, when it comes to small business antivirus software, it's good to know you have constant support via whatever method you prefer, whether that's phone or email.
\r\nMcAfee's Security for Business may not be the best antivirus software for your small business, but during our antivirus software tests we found that it can protect your business from malware while being easy to manage.
"},"pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"http://www.shopmcafee.com/store/mfesmb/en_us/pd/productid.286141800?cid=mfe-psp068","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/58317-mcafee-box.jpg"}}}]},{"__typename":"SectionWidget","id":"","isInToc":false,"type":"widget","title":"","widget":{"widgetId":""}},{"__typename":"SectionOurApproach","id":null,"isInToc":false,"type":"ourapproach","isActive":null,"ourapproach":{"isClonable":false,"servicesConsidered":"15","servicesTested":"7","servicesSelected":"4","linkText":"How we evaluate products and services","linkUrl":"mailto:editor@business.com"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"compare-our-best-picks","isInToc":true,"type":"container","title":"Compare Our Best Picks","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"| \r\n | Kaspersky | \r\nBitdefender | \r\nAvast Business | \r\nAvast Free | \r\nLastPass Teams | \r\n
| Antivirus/malware protection | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\nNo | \r\n
| File shredder | \r\nNo | \r\nNo | \r\nYes | \r\nNo | \r\nNo | \r\n
| VPN | \r\nNo | \r\nNo | \r\nYes | \r\nNo | \r\nNo | \r\n
| Password manager | \r\nNo | \r\nNo | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\n
| Sandbox | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\nYes | \r\nNo | \r\nNo | \r\n
When considering either an antivirus software solution or an internet security platform, the number of employees you have will factor significantly into your decision. While it's ideal for all of your business's devices to be as secure as possible, it could also be a question of cost, since prices associated with such software go up the more seats are added. A single-seat price may seem tempting, but it's merely that company's opening bid, with costs jumping up as the number of employees covered increases from five to 100 or more users. In our research, we found instances where prices differed by 50% or more in some cases.
\r\nAs you shop for a solution, be on the lookout for special offers or discounts for renewals, or purchasing multiple licenses. Doing so can reduce your overall yearly fees and get the most bang for your buck.
\r\nYou can determine whether a software option is right for you by taking advantage of the free trials usually offered by most companies. Getting a feel for how the software affects your computer's performance can be just as important as understanding what it protects you from.
\r\nIf running a virus scan completely bogs your machines down, causing significant reductions in productivity, then it's only addressing one problem and creating another. Similarly, if your employees have to constantly wrestle with a security program that really should be working in the background, that's also a red flag that should preclude you from switching to the paid version.
\r\nWhen shopping for an internet security solution, take advantage of free trial periods. Use the trial to test and evaluate the following:
\r\nLook for companies that offer rewards or discounts for renewing licenses, or buying multiple licenses; this will lower the cost of your annual renewal fees.
\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionBuyingGuide","id":"features","isInToc":true,"type":"buying-guide","title":"Buying Guide","containers":[{"title":"Internet Security Features to Consider","html":"\nAll antivirus and internet security solutions aim to protect devices against malware, viruses and other issues that originate from surfing the web without some safeguards in place. As with most tech-based services, it all comes down to the features that set companies apart. In many cases, the business-facing versions of these programs are often based on the consumer versions, usually including more specialized features on top of those offered to the average user.
\r\nWhen evaluating antivirus and security software solutions, look for the following features and protection methods for your business:
\r\nKeep in mind that this list is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to internet security features. You may need all or none of these things, depending on the reality of your business. Always look at the optional features provided by certain companies. In some cases, companies also offer access to third-party services, such as a VPN.
\r\nOther features that would be good to keep an eye out for but were not necessarily deal-breakers include a hardened web browser or encrypted keyboard, since both provide an extra layer of protection.
\n"},{"title":"Benefits of Computer Security Software","html":"\nWith billions of people on the internet, it's impossible to know who's trying to access your systems and to what end. It's with that uncertainty in mind that internet security and antivirus software exist. Your business has sensitive data, whether it's your customers' credit card information, HIPAA-regulated patient data or any other information you want to keep secure. The right internet security software can help ensure that your data is at least protected.
\r\nDepending on the software suite and service tier you select, internet security and antivirus software can protect against a range of scenarios. Malware can cause major slowdowns on your machine, block you from accessing certain parts of your system, or cause other major headaches on your device and others on the same network. Ransomware is a type of malware that can lock down your machine, with the promise of unlocking it once you pay a fee. Phishing uses email messages to make you accidentally give up your personal information, like passwords and credit card numbers.
\r\nAlong with file protection, some internet security programs also deal with a device's surroundings. Other features, like remote access and remote wipe, can help protect secure data if a device is lost or stolen. Wi-Fi monitoring functionality can keep your system safe from unprotected networks as well.
\n"},{"title":"Internet Security and Antivirus FAQs","html":"\nAntivirus software scans the existing files on your computer's memory and storage. In the event that a file is infected, most solutions \"quarantine\" the file by deleting it from its original location, rendering it inert and moving it to a new location. This can take place regardless of how long the file in question has been infected.
\r\nIs free antivirus safe? Free antivirus software protects against viruses and malware, just as the paid versions do. The main difference between the two versions is the paid solution more often detects newer threats quicker and may come with additional features that don't exist in the free version. Paid software could potentially run faster or be significantly more thorough in its searches compared to free software.
\r\nComputer security software works by regularly searching for any vulnerabilities in a system. That usually includes scans for malware, virus and other malicious code. Such software also seeks out and protects against potential security lapses. Some options include blocking the use of unauthorized USB devices and restricting users from making modifications to the system itself. Computer security software is often extremely modular, so the features and protections provided depend on your business and its needs.
\r\nMalware can infect your computer or device when you download and install infected software, though it can also spread through email or an unsecured internet hyperlink. Usually, this happens when a bad actor online alters a program to include the malware. Once on your system, malware generally tends to alter existing files on the computer and spread throughout a network. This action can often lead to users getting locked out of the system, inexplicable popups showing up on the screen or major performance issues on the infected device.
\r\nAntivirus software protects against malware, viruses and other malicious code. Internet security software casts a wider umbrella of protection, usually including antivirus, firewalls and other protective measures.
\r\nInternet security is more of a blanket term for the different types of protective services out there. Generally, internet security software can do the following: firewalls, antivirus, endpoint security, sandbox capabilities, ransomware and phishing protection, file shredding, data encryption and other services.
\n"},{"title":"Community Experts on Internet Security Software","html":"\nThere are almost as many reasons why a company would choose one solution over another as there are platforms available at any given moment. Since the field is so diverse, and opinions are so varied, we turned to the small business community to understand which solutions they were using and why.
\r\nOne consideration we consistently saw was the need for a solution that was quick and easy to implement. For Sophie Summers, who serves as a vice president of marketing at Proprivacy, that easy solution was Bitdefender.
\r\n\"I have been using a total security version of Bitdefender for all our Windows-based PCs for the last two years,\" Summers told business.com. \"You only need to install and set it once, and then it will keep doing its job silently ... [only taking] minutes to scan the whole PC files without slowing down the system.\"
\r\nAlong with the fact that it is compatible with the rest of her computer's functions, Summers pointed to other features like a startup optimizer, which helps speed up the PC overall. Add in the software's compatibility with leading browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla's Firefox, as well as the inclusion of Bitdefender's own hardened browser, and you have a solution that she called \"the best software for scanning the system, removing suspicious files and preventing online infectious content.\"
\r\nWhile some of the individuals we spoke with had stuck with their chosen solution for years, others shared their stories for why they jumped ship from one option to another. Hassan Alnassir, the founder and CEO of Premium Joy said his company had tried multiple options before choosing Kaspersky for its internet security solution.
\r\n\"I have tried cybersecurity solutions from several popular brands like Norton and McAfee, but they all don't compare to Kaspersky when it comes to not slowing down the PC,\" he said. \"I also find Kaspersky's app interface to be pretty clean and simple to use without any complications whatsoever.\"
\r\nWhen asked what he especially liked about Kaspersky, Alnassir said the software's ability to block malicious sites while browsing online is a huge help.
\r\nSimilarly, Dustin Vann, owner and CEO of Trusy Social said his company switched to Bitdefender from the solutions at McAfee because they just needed a stronger safety net than the latter company could provide.
\r\n\"We changed from McAfee as it didn't offer the added layer of security that Bitdefender did, plus it was harder to automate tasks with regular errors,\" Vann said. \"We liked the option where you could grant or deny access to websites and applications, essentially avoiding any services that have the potential to cause problems.\"
\n"},{"title":"Our Methodology","html":"\nWe researched a wide range of antivirus software and internet security solutions, including their plans and features. The process began by compiling a list of vendors. Along with the service providers we were familiar with from past reviews, we added vendors we found in our research, those that regularly appeared on other reputable online lists and reviews, and companies that reached out to us asking to be considered for review.
\r\nThen, we visited each vendor's official website, taking notes of their features and pricing structures. When possible, we downloaded and tried the software if a free trial was available. When a trial period wasn't an option, we watched product demos and tutorials to get a feel for how the product worked and understand its key features.
\r\nAfter the testing phase, we reached out to our finalists, posing as a potential customer with questions about their platform. We asked everyone the same set of questions when applicable while taking note of the quality of service we received.
\r\nFinally, we arrived at our final determination by considering which software solutions struck the best balance of price, feature set and ease of use. Here are the criteria we used to evaluate each option:
\r\nIt should go without saying that as the world continues to become more reliant on technology to perform daily tasks, there will always be a need for strong internet security and antivirus protocols. New products and companies enter the market every year. Analysts expect both industries to grow significantly over the coming years.
\r\nAccording to a study by Statista released in October 2019, the global information security technology market stood at $75.5 billion in 2016. The industry is expected to grow to approximately $116.6 billion this year, and experts estimate it will balloon up to $151.2 billion by 2023. The top five leading Windows anti-malware software companies in terms of market share according to Statista are: Symantec Corporation (13.52%), McAfee Inc. (12.67%), ESET (12.37%), Bitdefender (10.49%), and Avast (7.95%).
\r\nRegardless of their position in the market, these companies and their products have their work cut out for them as time goes on. Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving landscape; hackers find new exploits and destructive measures to gain access to sensitive data. As they find new methods to break into systems, cybersecurity software firms have to quickly find ways to patch up and eliminate any methods of ingress.
\r\nCybercrime has been incredibly expensive to deal with around the world, as the total cost of damages caused by data breaches skyrocketed from $17.8 million in 2001 to $3.5 billion in 2019. Phishing schemes, with 114,702 instances reported to the IC3 in 2019, were the most prevalent form of cybercrime.
\r\nWhile dealing with digital threats, cybersecurity companies have to contend with new and upcoming legislation. The passage of the European Union's privacy law, the General Data Protection Regulation, changed the face of business on the internet nearly overnight when it was implemented in 2018. Though the U.S. doesn't have a similar law at the federal level, California passed its California Consumer Privacy Act in 2018. It's uncertain if the federal government will take similar action.
\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"what-to-expect-in-2020","isInToc":true,"type":"container","title":"What to Expect in 2020","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\nWhile most of the world deals with the coronavirus pandemic, antivirus software and internet security software companies must constantly be vigilant to potential threats. With more people stuck indoors, the number of connections to the internet is growing over time, leaving more points of vulnerability. Each flaw or unsecured part of the network could spell catastrophe for already struggling businesses, so the cybersecurity software industry has to keep focused on the task at hand.
\r\nCybersecurity protocols could continue to become more automated, as more products implement machine learning technology to find and eliminate threats as they happen. Expect more companies to push for better optimization on their programs as well, as computers gain more processing power over time.
\r\nAdditional reporting by Brian Nadel.
\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionMoreCoverage","id":"","isInToc":false,"type":"morecoverage","isActive":null,"title":"More Coverage","articles":[{"title":"4 Security Tips to Keep Your Business Safe","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/four-security-tips-to-keep-your-business-safe/","author":{"displayName":"business.com editorial staff"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5e9/5f4695a215e1d118b458a/1500-0-"}},{"title":"How to Assess the Cybersecurity Risk of Your Small Business","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/assess-small-business-cybersecurity/","author":{"displayName":"Matthew D'Angelo"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5b2/3bb9b1039eb3d1a8b4576/1500-0-"}},{"title":"Hackers Are Targeting Small Businesses. Here's How to Protect Yourself","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/hackers-targeting-smbs/","author":{"displayName":"Erik Day"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5be/3469d5a215e35648b4567/1500-0-"}}]}],"tocElements":[{"title":"Best Picks","id":"top-of-page"},{"title":"Intro","id":"intro"},{"title":"Compare Our Best Picks","id":"compare-our-best-picks"},{"title":"Reviews","id":"reviews"},{"title":"Pricing","id":"pricing"},{"title":"Buying Guide","id":"features"},{"title":"State of the Industry","id":"state-of-the-industry"},{"title":"What to Expect in 2020","id":"what-to-expect-in-2020"}],"author":{"id":"5e3884175a215e257c8b456e","name":"Andrew Martins","bio":"Andrew Martins has written more than 300 articles for business.com and Business News Daily focused on the tools and services that small businesses and entrepreneurs need to succeed. Andrew writes about office hardware such as digital copiers, multifunctional printers and wide format printers, as well as critical technology services like live chat and online fax. Andrew has a long history in publishing, having been named a four-time New Jersey Press Award winner.","thumbnail":null,"status":"disabled","type":"Staff","user":{"slug":"andrew-martins","imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/uploads/user/profile/90fbafafd9d2d02794376c2811156bd1eea34.jpg"},"title":null,"image":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"http://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmartins","twitter":"https://twitter.com/andrew_martins","website":"https://www.business.com"}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Technology","slug":"technology"},"sub":{"name":"Security","slug":"security"}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ebe95505a215ef6058b456f/smartphone_Zephyr18_getty.jpg","caption":"Zephyr18 / Getty Images","isBlurred":false},"image":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ebe95505a215ef6058b456f/smartphone_Zephyr18_getty.jpg","meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Our experts have reviewed the best small business antivirus software for 2020. See up-to-date comparisons for the top-rated programs.","title":"The Best Antivirus and Internet Security Software Reviews of 2020 - business.com"}}},"pageContext":{"displayModified":"2020-05-15T16:08:00.000Z","title":"The Best Internet Security and Antivirus Software of 2020","template":"mega","meta":{"robots":"index, follow"},"docType":"categories","slug":"best-antivirus-and-internet-security","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/best-antivirus-and-internet-security/"}},"staticQueryHashes":[]}