Antivirus Software: Do I really need to pay?
Put simply, antivirus software is a programme on your computer designed to prevent, search, detect and remove viruses, malware and other malicious activity.
What is antivirus software?
There are many different antivirus solutions out there, each providing various levels of security – some are free, whilst others will cost you. Here, we’ve outlined the benefits of both types, so that you can make a more informed decision to suit your personal or business needs.
Benefits of free antivirus software.
The key advantage to free antivirus is its minimal impact on your bank balance. There are many free solutions that offer a basic form of defence against some of the common threats to your computer.
Of course, it might be tempting to cut costs and opt for the software with the smallest price tag, especially if you’re just starting up your business and the budget is tight.
However, we urge you to consider the costs that you may incur if your network falls victim to an attack.
If you’re running a business and don’t want your data to be captured by a stranger, or just can’t afford downtime due to faulty devices, you should really invest in a quality antivirus that can protect your whole system.
If you do need a hand choosing the right antivirus solution for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.
Benefits of paid antivirus software.
Firstly, paid-for antivirus software boasts a more comprehensive level of protection against a broad spectrum of malicious activity. This usually includes viruses, malware, phishing scams and spyware.
Programmes that you pay for are more likely to update themselves frequently, normally rolling out new virus definitions every few hours. This means that the software is able to recognise all the new nasties that could potentially harm your network and be seriously detrimental to your business. Meanwhile, a free version would only catch possible threats.
Although it may set you back a few pounds, paying for antivirus software results in a better capacity to protect your whole network at a higher level, as well as giving you a more extensive suite of tools. On top of all this, many paid-for programmes have the ability to alert you or your IT Manager of threats, so that you can take immediate action.
We recommend…
Bitdefender.
Protecting over 500 million people across the world, Bitdefender is an exceptional tool if you require a solution with a number of safeguarding features. The software, which won AV-Comparatives Product of the Year in 2017, shields you from malware and malicious activity, offers security for a number of devices and even defends you against theft.
WebRoot.
WebRoot is another quality software that has its own business package. The cloud-based technology scans and scores the internet three times a day in order to protect their customers against the latest threats.
ESET.
ESET helpfully splits their packages into three: for the home, for small offices and for business. The small office option is fantastic for startups that work on several types of device, whilst the business option can be tailored to suit larger firms with servers and multiple desktops.