You get what you pay for — or so the saying goes. But does it hold true for antivirus protection?
For many small businesses and individuals, opting for a free antivirus solution might seem sufficient to safeguard their operations. After all, why would a hacker target a small business when there are larger fish to fry?
Sadly, this type of reasoning is exactly what cybercriminals exploit. In recent years, attacks on small businesses have surged, and the cost of mitigating these attacks has also risen. Cybercriminals increasingly target small- and medium-sized businesses because they often lack the robust tools needed to detect and prevent attacks.
This guide highlights the key differences between free and paid antivirus solutions available to small businesses, helping owners determine the best choice for their needs. First, let’s define what antivirus software is and how it functions.
Small businesses are frequently targeted by cybercriminals seeking sensitive business data and customer information. With the right protection, you get enterprise-level security at an affordable price — because every small business deserves protection, no matter its size.
What is antivirus software?
Often regarded as the foundation of cybersecurity, antivirus software is installed on devices like computers and laptops to detect, prevent, and remove various types of cyberattacks. Although these solutions are named for their virus protection, they actually guard against a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing, and, of course, viruses.
Free Antivirus
As many small business owners and consumers are aware, numerous free antivirus solutions are available today. These tools offer basic protection for computers, laptops, and tablets, with some adapted versions available for smartphones and other mobile devices. Core functions include:
– Blocking dangerous files and applications
– Warning users about suspicious websites often used in phishing attacks
– Regularly scanning devices to identify infected files or apps
– Removing or providing cleanup options for infected files or apps
– Identifying unrecognized devices using a network
Paid Premium Antivirus
Paid antivirus solutions provide more comprehensive and robust protection compared to free solutions. Typically, a paid antivirus solution includes all the features of a free version plus additional functionalities such as:
- – Additional layers of protection: Paid software often includes more advanced security features, the ability to customize service by blocking specific sites, and options to back up devices or data. Many of these tools use advanced technology like machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify issues more quickly and accurately than free software.
- – Proactive security measures: Paid solutions usually have more advanced capabilities for preventing infections, proactively identifying and stopping threats before they occur. In contrast, free software is often reactive, detecting infections only after they have happened.
- – Protection from unknown threats: While free antivirus can guard against known threats, many cannot detect unknown threats or malicious files that the system has not yet identified. Most premium antivirus tools offer protection against both known and unknown threats.
- – Support: One major distinction between free and paid antivirus solutions is customer support. If a breach occurs, many paid solutions provide 24/7 live remediation support, helping to restore affected devices and prevent the spread of attacks to other systems.
- – Guarantees: Some paid solutions offer warranties or guarantees outlining what users are entitled to if a breach occurs while using the software properly.
Risks of Free Antivirus Software
There are several risks associated with relying on free antivirus solutions:
– No protection from unknown threats: Most free antivirus tools use character strings called signatures associated with specific malware types. While useful for detecting known attacks, this method is becoming outdated as attackers find ways around signature detection.
– Reactive security model: Free tools often protect against viruses and malware only when their signatures are in the tool’s database or by identifying attacks based on system activity once a device is infected.
– Limited support and remediation: Free antivirus tools typically offer minimal customer support beyond basic FAQs or troubleshooting guides.
Additional Considerations
– Terms of Use: Most free antivirus solutions are intended for individual consumers and are not approved for small business use. Guarantees or warranties may not apply if the product is used for business purposes.
– Risk and Impact: The impact of a breach on small businesses extends beyond the loss of a device or personal account recovery. These attacks can result in stolen data, stolen customer information, suspended operations, and significant costs in terms of revenue and reputation.
– Evolution of Free Antivirus: There has been a notable shift in the free antivirus market. Some vendors have stripped down the features of free tools to the basics and frequently push users to upgrade to paid versions.
– Type of User: Many antivirus solutions are designed for specific operating systems, such as Windows or macOS. Small businesses using a mix of computers and mobile devices need solutions that support all devices and operating systems.
5 Factors to Consider When Selecting Free vs. Paid Antivirus
For small business owners and individuals, cybersecurity is a crucial aspect of their IT strategy. When evaluating free and paid antivirus solutions, consider the following:
1. Budget:
– What can your organization afford for antivirus protection?
– Does the cost of the solution outweigh the risk of a breach?
– How will the cost of your cyber insurance policy change based on the chosen tool?
2. Features:
– What specific risks does your organization face?
– What security features do free versions offer compared to paid versions?
– Is the product designed for small business use?
– Does the product support various devices and operating systems?
3. Support:
– What support services are included during deployment, operation, and remediation?
– Does the vendor provide 24/7 support for quick containment and resolution of security events?
– What resources are available for system restoration after a breach?
– Does the vendor offer a security guarantee?
4. Product Reviews and Analyst Ratings:
– Are there positive, recent reviews by reputable experts?
– What limitations do analysts or experts highlight?
5. Advertisements:
– Does the free antivirus software contain advertisements?
– Does it include any bundled technologies that could be considered adware or spyware?
Benefits of Paid Antivirus Software
Using a paid antivirus solution offers clear advantages over free versions, including:
– Reduced risk of breaches and cyberattacks
– Enhanced protection against a variety of malware and viruses, including unknown threats
– Proactive security that prevents breaches before they occur
– Faster resolution times and less business impact in the event of a breach through dedicated support
– Improved compliance with government regulations regarding sensitive data protection