The importance of cybersecurity and anti-virus
IT security and anti-virus are taking centre stage and rightfully so. With digital platforms, apps and software functioning as the backbone of our day-to-day communications, we must rely on protections to safeguard our core business operations. Particularly in an increasingly digitally connected capital like London, securing our business data becomes the key to survival.
The significance of IT security surpasses merely the needs of our London businesses. UK cybersecurity is a rapidly growing market, estimated to reach $16.8 billion in 2029. This raises questions about the increasing security issues we face, and what the standards may be in the next decade.
Nevertheless, the capabilities of current business cybersecurity and anti-virus packages are vast. From firewall setup and web protection to real-time monitoring and detection, you can benefit from a range of key features at a set price. Most importantly, is no unknown fact that businesses retain sensitive data that can be misused by hackers. So, it is more important than ever, as business data continues accumulating, that business owners take responsibility for protecting their IT assets.
Here we uncover everything your business should know when choosing the right cybersecurity and anti-virus solution to help protect your data from hackers.
Things to remember about cybersecurity and anti-virus solutions
Finding ways to secure our data through cybersecurity and anti-virus solutions is however not without its difficulties. According to research, over 99% of computers have Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader or Oracle Java installed, meaning almost every computer is vulnerable to exploit kits. Essentially, the number of security issues present on these software means your system will be a soft target for cyberattacks.
Anti-virus compliments safe security practices
You should also remember that anti-virus software is not effective entirely on its own. Your security package should be coupled with safe security policies implemented throughout your whole organisation. In fact, your business and all your employees should already be compliant with data security laws and industry-specific standards.
Upholding security practices helps safeguard your data and foster a culture of safe digital working, preventing exposure to malicious content. As a result, you’re not as reliant on your anti-virus package to do all the work for you.
What to consider when choosing a security and anti-virus package
With so many types of security packages available, it becomes challenging to choose a package that suits your business. So, we’ve put together a few key points for you to keep in mind while searching for the right IT security package:
Type of IT assets you possess
From tangible smart phones to intangible intellectual property, your IT can come in various formats. The ideal security and anti-virus package should protect all types of IT assets. The more complex your IT network, the greater the security requirements.
You may require a tailored anti-virus security package to protect the unique vulnerabilities of your infrastructure. Consider your key assets and the types of devices used for core operations. For example, if your hardware, such as servers and workstations were to go down due to a cyberattack, how would you maintain business continuity?
Overall, you’ll want to ensure you have comprehensive coverage for everything, not just your critical assets. But keep in mind the individual threats each asset might be facing.
External technical support vs in-house IT team
If you use managed IT support in London, your anti-virus package should work seamlessly with the security software provided by your vendor. Compatibility of technical security specifications is necessary in maintaining the integrity of your protections. This is largely due to your IT provider taking charge of necessary patches and updates to your anti-virus software. Additionally, you run the risk of wasting your budget on a package which is rendered ineffective.
Nevertheless, if you do not use a third-party IT support service and have your own in-house team, a full-fledged anti-virus package is still a necessity. A comprehensive anti-virus solution will provide your organisation with multiple layers of protection.
Employee knowledge about IT security
Security and anti-virus packages come in varying levels of complexity. While some can be used by someone who has little to no IT expertise, other software requires fundamental IT knowledge to utilise.
For example, standalone software packages are easy to use and require little to no knowledge to implement. However, centralised software packages which offer greater IT security require trained operators.
So, when choosing a security package, keep in mind the IT expertise of your workforce. In fact, many IT support‎ providers recommend that businesses have a mix of complex and easy-to-use security protocols.
Cost of the package
Certain software packages such as Zone Alarm Security Suite, Avira Premium Security Suite and Norton Internet Security are affordable. These are suitable for start-ups and small-scale companies with a lesser budget allocated to malware protection packages.
While selecting a security package, also keep in mind the continued costs of maintaining anti-virus and other protections. This could include maintenance fees for patches and upgrades, as well as an increase in subscription and licencing fees.
You may have already come across free software packages on the net while you browse for inexpensive options. However, many of the free IT security software aren’t designed for commercial use and may prove ineffective for protecting your business infrastructure. It’s best to do your research about these packages before you install them.
What security and anti-virus should you choose?
When selecting the best security and antivirus software for your business, it’s essential that you consider how it can be tailored to your business needs and constraints. Here we have included some key features to consider as part of your anti-virus package.
Key features to consider in your security package
Almost all IT security and anti-virus software work on reactive scanning, where all the files and programmes in your system are scanned for viruses and malware. These software may also use plugins to block malicious Java scripts and other viruses.
The ideal security software is one which does not drain your IT assets of memory and power. However, you also want your package to be able to conduct a comprehensive check of all tangible and intangible features of your systems. Choose software which has the option of automatic upgrades, as updated security systems prove more accurate and effective than older versions. Overall, software packages which offer malware removal are better than those which simply identify and block malware.
Security packages for small to medium sized businesses
Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often require a much different approach to IT than other businesses. SMBs are unique in that they have lesser budgets than larger enterprises, but more infrastructure than a smaller enterprise. This can lead to varying levels of resources, as it is difficult to strike the right balance when implementing IT security solutions.
So, here are some key attributes in security packages SMBs should search for:
Lightweight and efficient performance
You don’t want to put strain on your system’s memory and CPU, so choose an anti-virus security solution which doesn’t use significant processing power. This will ensure your protections run seamlessly without impacting the performance of other critical applications.
Also, consider cloud-based antivirus solutions that offload processing to the cloud. This will reduce the burden on your business’ local machines, resulting in greater performance.
Comprehensive protection
As discussed, your security and anti-virus software will typically perform reactive scans by default. This means it will be routinely scanning files and programs for known threats, to block malware and protect your infrastructure. However, you may want your anti-virus to include proactive features like behaviour monitoring to detect unknown threats.
Always opt for solutions that offer multiple layers of protection. These will include antivirus, anti-malware, anti-ransomware, and anti-phishing features.
Additional security features
Ransomware protection – Ransomware is an increasing threat to SMBs, so having dedicated ransomware protection will help quickly detect suspicious activities.
Firewall – A built-in firewall works as an extra layer of defence, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic based on preset security rules.
File Shredder – For businesses handling a lot of sensitive information, a file shredder is essential. It will ensure that your deleted files cannot be recovered, boosting your data security and encouraging safe data destruction.
Scalability
Choose a software with flexible licencing options. As your business grows, your security will rapidly evolve, and your IT security will be required to do the same.
Find antivirus solutions that offer scalable licensing options to accommodate additional devices and users without significant cost increases.
Support and Service
Ensure your potential antivirus vendor offers robust customer support. They should have a clear ticketing or chatbot system if you need to raise any issues. You may also need to troubleshoot; online resources and active community forums should be available.
Consider vendors that provide managed security services. This will help reduce some of the security management responsibilities from your internal team.
Seek the support of expert IT security services
It is vital that businesses incorporate anti-virus packages into their existing IT security plans. But if you lack the right expertise, your organisation may struggle to successfully implement its new security protections.
So, reach out to the cybersecurity experts at totality services for comprehensive London IT security and anti-virus support. We provide full onboarding for new security solutions as well as continual maintenance to support integration. If you already have an anti-virus or security package in mind, don’t hesitate to contact our team and we can check for compatibility.