Best Cyber Security Software for Small Businesses [Top 14 Picks]
Safeguard your business and pick a solution from our list
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Key notes
- Always being one step ahead of cyber attackers is essential for any business.
- Today's data breaches lead to serious issues so it's important to cover all fronts.
- We included powerful antiviruses, VPNs, as well as a noteworthy browser extension.
There’s nothing worse than a computer without an antivirus installed on its system. And if a company owns that computer, the liability goes through the roof.
There is so much valuable content these days, starting with private photos, crucial work data, and more, and if these become compromised, we’re talking about a potential virtual apocalypse.
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Do small businesses need antivirus?
Unfortunately, hackers these days, have become so advanced in creating malware that it’s harder to keep up with their sophisticated cyber-attacks.
This is why it’s essential to use the best possible antivirus, especially for your business, to prevent disasters.
According to our article on cyberattack statistics, any business, small or big, is at risk.
We picked the best antivirus software and a VPN for small business to show you their main features so that you can easily decide what is best for your organization’s needs.
What are the best business security tools?
ESET PROTECT Advanced – Best network protection
ESET PROTECT Advanced offers an advanced protection system for all your network devices, including your endpoints.
The solution offers improved ransomware protection and secures your endpoints against never-before-seen threat types using adaptive scanning, cloud sandboxing, machine learning, and in-depth behavioral analysis.
It was designed especially for businesses, so it helps comply with all data regulations thanks to full disk encryption capabilities on Windows and macOS.
All computers and mobiles within the organization are protected using advanced multilayered technology that includes file server security, and brute force attack protection.
Managing a fleet of devices is not usually that easy but with ESET PROTECT Advanced, your IT manager can perform remote management can be done from a single cloud dashboard.
This solution not only protects the devices but also offers real-time protection for your company’s data passing through all general servers.
Nevertheless, it comes with a strong encryption solution for system disks, partitions, or entire devices for complete legal compliance.
The best part is that ESET PROTECT Advanced is extremely flexible to any size of business and can grow along with your organization’s needs.
Let’s see some of its best features below:
- Multi-layered protection against all impending threats
- Adaptive scanning, cloud sandboxing, machine learning, and in-depth behavioral analysis
- Strong encryption solution for system disks, partitions, or entire devices
- Full disk encryption capabilities on Windows and macOS
- Manage all security from a single cloud console
ESET PROTECT Advanced
Secure your business with a top solution that offers advanced multilayered protection against all threats.NordPass Business – Great for securing sensitive information
NordPass Business is a professional software packed with everything you need to protect your small or medium business. You can control the access of your employees to accounts and makes it easier to share passwords between teams.
This tool is a secure software manager for business, it can be used as encrypted storage for passwords, passkeys, and other sensitive information.
NordPass Business can identify breaches before they can harm your business. With this software, you can learn if any credentials, emails, or company domains have been compromised with its very powerful breach scanner.
You can also simplify the onboarding and offboarding process with this tool as it comes with several features for group and employee management.
NordPass Business pricing is split into several very accessible plans, so you can choose what will best suit your business.
Let us take a look at some more key features of NordPass Business:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Google Workplace SSO
- Effective data breach monitoring
- Instant password import
- Company-wide settings
- Secure access sharing between teams
NordPass Business
Keep your company and employee data safe with this powerful software.Kaspersky Small Office Security for Business – Ideal for businesses
Kaspersky is a company that has always excelled at its job, and the company’s antivirus software has managed to pass most tests.
When it comes to protecting your systems from dangers the Endpoint Security for Business will turn out to be the best solution.
This antivirus comes with extensive and efficient management features, and you will get the opportunity to enjoy multi-layered protection from a massive number of aggressive cyber attacks.
After this software finds something suspicious, it will move it to quarantine if this is what you choose, but it can also delete the threat on the spot.
The software is straightforward to use, and it packs big data threat intelligence just to make sure that nothing essential gets stolen from your business’ computers.
Check out the best features that are included in Kaspersky Small Office Security for Business:
- Control every computer on your network at the same time
- Comes with some of the best anti-ransomware features
- It offers one of the most reliable antimalware protection on the market
- Using this program will not slow down your computers
- Enjoy cloud-based monitoring management and the complete encryption of your files
- You will get real-time cloud protection against malware, viruses, and phishing attempts
- Comes with a password manager and a strong antispam module
Kaspersky Small Office Security for Business
Kaspersky Small Office Security keeps your company’s computers safe and protected from online threats.Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security – Easy integration
As a small business owner, after you realized that you need the best possible security for your digital life, you have to choose the best antivirus software, and one of the most significant solutions is the one offered by Bitdefender.
Bitdefender for Business has to offer a lot of solutions more or less advanced for your business, according to the organization’s needs.
As a small business, it’s essential to have functional software that does not require dedicated IT resources.
Bitdefender’s solutions for business protect your business from malware without slowing down the systems or affecting your employee’s productivity.
Bitdefender for Business can detect 99% of both known and unknown threats using advanced behavior technologies.
Bitdefender Advanced Threat Control aka ATC is continually monitoring all the running processes for signs of various malicious behaviors.
ATC is a technology that was launched back in 2008 as AVC, and it has been constantly improved to keep users one step ahead of threats.
The Bitdefender Global Protective Network is currently protecting over 500 billion machines
Bitdefender comes with years of experience in perfecting machine learning and artificial intelligence which are essential for increased protection
Bitdefender software for business is able to detect and block all threats such as worms, viruses, spyware, Trojans, and more.
This software will never slow down your computer while it’s working in the background, which is really important for maintaining high performance.
Other noteworthy features include:
- Easy to install on your systems, and intuitive enough even for users who are not necessarily experts
- Excellent management of the components
- Onsite and cloud-based options
- Friendly dashboard, easy to navigate
- Detects and blocks any threat, including worms, viruses, spyware, and more
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
Bitdefender GravityZone uses advanced behavior technologies to protect your business.Vulnerability Manager Plus – Perfect for vulnerability detection
Keeping your apps and system updated is imperative to protect your PC from breaches, but Vulnerability Manager Plus actually detects them.
Not only that but this multi-OS vulnerability management and compliance software also offers built-in remediation. And it does that on a network-scale level!
Once you set it up, it scans and discovers the vulnerabilities within all your local or remote endpoints as well as roaming devices.
Then, Vulnerability Manager Plus analyzes and prioritizes vulnerabilities based on the likelihood of being exploited, severity, age, and the number of systems it affects, as well as an available fix.
And then, it helps you download, test, and install patches automatically to Windows, Mac, and Linux endpoints.
Moreover, it covers more than 500 third-party applications with its built-in patching module.
Apart from endpoint devices, this solution also deals with web server security flaws and helps you fix them preemptively.
Another important aspect is that Vulnerability Manager Plus identifies software that is evaluated as unsafe and uninstalls them from your endpoints quickly.
Let’s review some of its best features:
- Network-level vulnerability detection
- Identifies and patches endpoints
- It works seamlessly on Windows, Mac, and Linux endpoints
- Built-in patching module with over 500 third-party applications supported
- 75+ CIS benchmarks, instantly identify violations, and view detailed remediation insights
Vulnerability Manager Plus
Keep your endpoints and servers safe with this vulnerability manager that patches your systems automatically!TotalAV – Advanced scanning solution
TotalAV is a great security software for your business platform because numerous protection features. It has exceptional detection rates, providing real-time advanced web security.
It allows you to take control of your digital enterprise and keep it safeguarded against harmful threats and viruses.
TotalAV offers various scanning options, such as custom scan, quick scan, system scan, and smart scan. You can scan temporary files where viruses are commonly found there, or you can scan your whole system for malware.
You can also scan for junk files and tracking cookies, or even pick a single file, folder, or hard disk to scan.
This solution helps you browse the web safely and securely and shields your business against fake, scam, and phishing sites that are created to harm your devices, compromise your security or even steal your payment information.
TotalAV blocks tracking cookies and eliminate each harmful element, clearing any trace of your online activity.
You can actively and effectively observe your business email address and receive notifications in case your data is at risk.
Other impressive features that you might consider helpful:
- Smart scanning
- Safe browsing VPN
- Remote firewall
- Anti-ransomware
- Browser manager and cleaner
- Password vault
TotalAV
Keep your business platform safe and benefit from all the security features of TotalAV.Guard.io – Great online security
Most cyber-attacks come from the web, so if you want to fully protect your business’s private data, consider protecting your browser with Guard.io.
The tool employs cloud-based technologies to protect you against malware, malicious scripts or browser extensions, and data breaches.
It’s not a software tool in the classical sense, but rather a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, but it’s definitely a smart addition to your security toolset.
Online cyber attackers use all sorts of methods to access private information, including via emails, website forms, or even links. They grow smarter and smarter and may be difficult to track down.
Due to the fact that all team members of your business use the same databases and communication channels, one compromised account is enough to jeopardize the privacy of your whole business.
A tool like Guard.io is able to block serious data-stealing attempts and protect you and your employee’s personal information, financial and bank information, private documents, workflow, projects, and other private data.
The Business plan of Guard.io includes all features mentioned, plus an admin panel where you can monitor user activity, add team members, and set permissions.
Some may argue that this tool is not necessary if you have an antivirus and good online behavior. We suggest you use both because they serve different purposes.
Guard.io is vital, particularly when multiple users have access to private information.
It blocks online threats that you can access from the browser, while your antivirus removes current infections and takes care of your system as a whole.
Other key features of Guard.io include:
- Quick and easy to set up
- Remove suspicious extensions
- Checks browser for privacy violations
- Blocks invasive notifications
- Monitors if you are a victim of any current data breach
- Detects suspicious emails
Guard.io
Use next-gen cloud-based technologies to detect and block cyberattacks before they get a chance to reach your data.NordLayer Teams – Best privacy protection
NordLayer Teams is a cloud-based VPN service designed for small and large businesses alike.
The brand is known for having some of the fastest servers in the world and a wide array of protection-oriented features.
All VPN packages designed for organizations provide remote access, protecting every endpoint with AES 256-bit encryption.
In this way, you and your team will have the freedom to work from anywhere, on any device, using a secure virtual private network.
Moreover, with a few clicks, you can customize the VPN according to your business goals and needs.
To do this, access the Control Panel and build teams, add dedicated server locations worldwide, and more.
Each NordLayer Teams package has flexible pricing options and includes unique features.
Other key features of this software include:
- Two-factor authentication
- Immediate deployment
- Single Sign-on (SSO) with Google, Okta, and Azure AD
- Static/dedicated IP address
- DDoS protection
- Supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Shared access to 33 server locations
- 24/7 Customer support
NordLayer Teams
Work securely from anywhere with this industry-leading VPN service!CyberGhost VPN – Great online privacy
CyberGhost can definitely live up to the awesomeness implied by the product’s name. But although its logo looks playful, it will do its job with great precision.
The software was founded in 2011 by a team located in Romania, and it currently boasts more than 15 million users, which is quite an impressive statistic.
CyberGhost is a VPN software that is able to hide your IP, encrypt and anonymize your Internet activity and secure your system whenever you’re on Wi-Fi.
If your small business is extra concerned about security, you should definitely look into a VPN service and its benefits.
VPNs can hide your online activity from all kinds of snoops and CyberGhost can also limit who can and who cannot access the network content.
Take a look at the most important features and functionalities that CyberGhost can offer for your small business:
- CyberGhost is one of the best free VPN solutions on the current market
- It offers reliable connection speeds and fantastic network security which is crucial these days
- Works on most modern operating systems as well
- Offers military-grade protection known as Advanced Encryption Standards aka AES
- CyberGhost offers the most secure protocol that currently exists, and it will make your activity hacker-proof
- Easy installation and great user experience
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN will hide your online activity, secure your system when using Wi-Fi, and more.Avira Prime – Great for small businesses
Last but not least, Avira Prime is another excellent solution for your small business’ security.
Everything that your small organization will need is packed here in this great security bundle. This package will protect your PCs, email communications, and servers as well.
This browser secures your devices and network against malware and web attacks.
Avira Prime is lightweight, yet powerful and includes an online management console so you can keep track of all your devices.
This antivirus includes a PC cleaner feature that is able to remove junk files and thus improve speed and reduce lags.
Not only that, but it takes care of overall PC functionality with its built-in software and driver updater. This ensures that you always run up-to-date versions that implement the latest security patches.
Check out the best features and functionalities that you will find using this software:
- Manage your customers remotely via the premium on-premises and cloud management consoles
- Protect your workstations via real-time scanning, advanced web and network protection, and anti-botnet safeguards
- The software’s management is flexible, and you will get fast updates
- Password manager to create and store secure passwords
- Privacy optimization for over 200 settings
Avira Prime
Avira Antivirus for Small Business offers great protection for your company’s computers and servers.Emsisoft Anti-Malware – Great anti-malware protection
Emsisoft Anti-Malware is one of the best lightweight security tools that you can find, so it’s ideal when you’re trying not to waste resources.
But don’t get confused – even if it does not use many system resources, this is a powerful PC that is always on top of independent Antivirus tests.
You will find more great features of this awesome security tool at a great price, so you should definitely give it a shot.
We also have to mention that it has a 30-day trial period so you can check if it is a good antivirus for your business before buying it.
Let’s have a quick look at what it offer for your enterprise PCs:
- Behaviour Blocker – a new tool against customized threats and new cyber-menaces
- Centralized endpoint administration and deployment
- Optimization for server use
- Email notification when a threat is detected
- Dual virus and malware scanner (dual-engine)
- Anti-ransomware, Anti-phishing, and PUP prevention
Emsisoft Anti-Malware
Do not hesitate to protect your business against malware and other severe online threats.AVG Business Security – Best firewall
If you’re looking for a reliable antivirus for your business, perhaps AVG Business Security might be the right choice for you.
This software is designed for small businesses, and it comes in several versions that can be tailored to your business.
All versions have a CyberCapture feature that can send unrecognized files to the AVG’s servers in order to perform a detailed scan on that file.
Remote management is also available, so you can easily monitor and manage all devices in your company.
If you’re using Microsoft File Server or Windows Sharepoint Server, you’ll be pleased to hear that you’ll be able to protect them using the File Server Security feature.
AVG Business security also has a Network Antivirus feature that can detect and remove malware from devices in your network.
If you want more features, there’s AVG AntiVirus Business Edition that comes with advanced threat protection, privacy protection, and its own firewall.
As for additional features, there are Online Protection and Email Protection features. For complete protection, there’s AVG Internet Security Business Edition.
This version has all the aforementioned features as well as Email Server Security and Spam Protection features.
Overall, AVG Business Security offers a plethora of features, so if you’re a small business owner, feel free to try any of these three versions.
Let’s take a look at some of its best features:
- CyberCapture sends unrecognized files to the AVG’s servers to get analyzed
- Manage all your devices remotely, from one place
- File Server Security for business-related file protection
- The Network Antivirus detects and removes malware from all devices in your network
- Email and online protection, plus a powerful firewall
AVG Business Security
AVG Business Security scans your PCs and network devices for viruses and malware, keeping them safe.Avast Endpoint Protection Suite Plus – Great server protection
Avast is a Czech company that is much aware of the importance of small businesses with dedicated products.
As a result, it created the Avast Endpoint Protection Suite Plus solution to offer sophisticated protection for your company’s computers and servers as well.
Your essential emails and files will no longer be exposed to the risk of being damaged.
The technologies used by this antivirus are incredibly sophisticated and complex assuring users that their systems are always adequately protected.
The program comes with a lot of amazing features such as the following ones:
- Great anti-spyware and anti-malware engine that works flawlessly
- Top-notch firewall and a really powerful antispam filter
- Full server and workstation support
- Email server protection features
- Dedicated management options: Enterprise Administration and Small Office Administration
Avast Endpoint Protection Suite Plus
Avast Endpoint Protection Suite Plus offers complex protection for all your company’s servers and computers.SpamTitan Plus – Best anti-phishing tool
SpamTitan Plus offers leading-edge, AI-driven anti-phishing solutions with the newest zero-day threat protection and intelligence.
This top-shelf dedicated solution provides 100% coverage of all current market-leading anti-phishing feeds.
The tool improves protection against phishing by neutralizing malicious links in emails. SpamTitan Plus provides a 1.5X increase in unique phishing URL detections.
It also rewrites all URLs and provides time-of-click analysis within 5 minutes from the initial detection of the malicious, offending URL to your end-user mailbox.
Zero-day Threat intelligence can’t be found in any other phishing product as it contains 1.6X faster phishing detections than the current market leaders.
If you click on a phishing email with SpamTitan it won’t run scripts against your computer to gather data. This layer of protection is critical in responding to phishing attacks.
SpamTitan provides real-time, continuous updates through 10 million new, never-before-seen phishing and malicious URLs a day.
These unique daily URL additions are powered out of several hundred billion queries and 100 million cloud queries a day within SpamTitan Plus.
Let’s see some of its best features below:
- Protection against URL-based email threats including malware-based threats and phishing
- Predictive analysis to identify suspicious URLs
- URLs are rewritten to increase protection
- Blocks unsafe links and displays a dedicated block page
SpamTitan Plus
Use this tool’s AI-driven anti-phishing solutions for 100% coverage of all current market-leading feeds.What is the small business cyber security checklist?
There are a few things that should be considered when it comes to cyber security for a small business and these are Data protection, Threat reduction, Incident response, Backups, 2FA or multi-factor authentication, Remote access, Strong passwords, Regularly updating software and systems, Managing vendor and third-party risks.
These are some of the things you should take into consideration when protecting your business from cyberattacks, of course, the need varies depending on your particular business.
These are our top picks for the best cybersecurity software for small businesses, and we guarantee that no matter what your final choice will be, you’ll get the best possible protection for your small organization.
We also have a list of the best antiviruses for Windows Server that you can draw inspiration from and select a great tool for your office needs.
Have you decided on a product? Do you have any other preferences? Tell us about them in the comments section below.
