Shielding Your Business: How Antivirus Software Safeguards Corporates
The use of computers and the internet nowadays leads to businesses valuing data privacy more than ever, and since so much work is done through digital means, having optimal antivirus software is essential.
A business’s technological devices usually contain sensitive data, and since the dependency on technology is evident, a business becomes much more vulnerable to cyberattacks and breaches of data.
This article aims to provide an understanding of antivirus software, how important it is for a business, and what factors to look out for before making a decision.
How Antivirus Software Works
The purpose of antivirus software is to identify and remove any type of virus that is found on a device. The antivirus software provides significant benefits by deleting cyber threats that come in many forms, like trojan horses, spyware, and phishing. These cyber-threats may cause severe damage to your device and increase the chances of getting hacked.
Antivirus software has two common ways to protect your device. The first way begins with software scanning and analyzing any program or file as it enters your device. The other way differs in that the software scans programs and files that already exist on the device.
Depending on the software downloaded, antivirus software will operate based on either of those two principles or, in some cases, can do both simultaneously.
Once the software scans and detects any malicious programs or files, three options exist for you to choose from. You can choose to clean the file in which the malware is removed, quarantine the malware to one specific file, or simply delete the malware-infected file or program.
Additionally, it is important to note that modern software uses new methods to detect cyber threats. One common method includes comparing the signatures of the files or programs on your device to a database that consists of known malware signatures.
The database that consists of known signatures gets updated any time a new malware signature is detected, and as a result, the software embedded in your device will use those signatures to detect any malware. This is why keeping your anti-virus software updated is extremely important to reap the benefits.
Why Is it Important for Your Business?
As a business owner, the devices linked to the internet within your business store a range of sensitive information, including employee data and any potentially risky data that can pose a risk if exposed.
Some of the results of cyber intrusion are experiencing financial losses, legal obligations, and a damaged reputation. It’s important to shield your business against these types of threats. One effective approach to safeguarding your business is by employing antivirus software.
Antivirus software is adept at safeguarding your business against the following:
Protection from malware
Protection from malware is a common reason businesses choose to purchase antivirus software. Malware causes many threats to the devices located in your business, such as granting unauthorized access to hackers, allowing sensitive data to be extracted, and damaging the devices to the point of no return.
Antivirus software aims to prevent these threats from occurring, placing your business in safety.
Protection from email viruses
In 2021, approximately 22% of data breaches in businesses occurred through phishing scams. Phishing emails happen when scammers send emails to employees, giving them access to sensitive information such as passwords, files, and even online bank accounts.
Most antivirus software scans incoming emails, examining links in search of any suspicious activities.
Protection of external file sharing
Employees are bound to share files with each other, and sometimes, these files can be too big in size. This is why external hard drives or third-party file-sharing applications may be used; however, they are more susceptible to transmitting viruses.
Fortunately, with antivirus software, viruses are deleted, and employees can share files confidently.
Choosing the Right Antivirus Software for Your Business
Features
Researching the different features a company offers will provide valuable insights into whether you should purchase from them. If the features they provide do not align with your needs, then there is no need to go any further.
Compatibility
Your existing devices and operating systems should be evaluated in order to request from companies whether their software is compatible. Supporting the hardware and software of your devices is important, as the opposite would be ineffective.
Cost
A consideration of the cost provided by an antivirus company is of utmost importance, as it is recommended that you choose one that lies within your budget and provides the features and level of protection you need.
Check out this guide to the best antivirus companies to help simplify the selection process.
Conclusion
In summary, antivirus software can provide valuable benefits to a business. These benefits include protection from malware, eliminating the threat of damaged devices, breaches of data, and sensitive data extraction.
When deciding to purchase antivirus software, it is important to choose the right one, and the right one can be identified when taking into account factors such as features provided, compatibility with operating systems, and the cost of the software.
