# Best Antivirus Software for Small Business - Page 3 ## How Many Antivirus Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 138 ### Category Stats (Aug 2026) - **Average Rating:** 4.37/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product:** Datto AV (+3.53%) - Among all products in this category, Datto AV recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month _Last updated: August 01, 2026_ ## How Does G2 Rank Antivirus Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 10,600+ Authentic Reviews - 138+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## G2 Grid® for Antivirus Software ![G2 Grid® for Antivirus Software plotting products by satisfaction and market presence](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus/grids.png?focus%5B%5D=14988&focus%5B%5D=818&focus%5B%5D=1436&focus%5B%5D=14966&focus%5B%5D=60007&focus%5B%5D=10524&focus%5B%5D=68606&focus%5B%5D=14972) Highlighted products: ESET PROTECT, Sophos Endpoint, ThreatDown, Webroot Business Endpoint Protection, Kaspersky AntiVirus, ManageEngine Endpoint Central, CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform, and Check Point Endpoint Security. Underlying data: [Grid® JSON](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus/grids.json?focus%5B%5D=eset-protect&focus%5B%5D=sophos-endpoint&focus%5B%5D=threatdown&focus%5B%5D=webroot-business-endpoint-protection&focus%5B%5D=kaspersky-antivirus&focus%5B%5D=manageengine-endpoint-central&focus%5B%5D=crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform&focus%5B%5D=check-point-endpoint-security&segment=small-business) **Sponsored** ### Tremendous Tremendous Overview Tremendous is the global payouts platform for businesses sending gift cards and money at scale. Trusted by 20,000+ leading organizations, Tremendous has delivered billions of rewards and enables businesses to reach recipients across 200+ countries and regions. From research incentives to marketing and sales rewards to employee recognition programs, the free-to-use platform makes it easy to send thousands of payouts quickly. How Tremendous Works Getting started is simple: add a funding method and place your first order in minutes. Teams can send rewards via bulk upload, integration, or API. Tremendous automates language translation, currency conversion, tracking, and reporting, and includes built-in fraud controls. The result? Teams can focus on the work that matters most while Tremendous handles all the payout details. Gift Card and Payout Options Tremendous offers 2,500+ popular payout options, including gift card options, prepaid cards, monetary payouts, and donations. Teams can choose to offer curated reward options or give recipients the freedom to choose what works best for them. If recipients ever run into redemption issues, the Tremendous support team handles them directly. Pricing Tremendous is free to use with no minimums or subscription fees. Most businesses only spend what they send, while high-volume customers have opportunities to explore discounted pricing to stretch their budgets further. Integrations and Automation Tremendous integrates seamlessly with the tools businesses already use, including Salesforce, HubSpot, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Zapier, and more. Developers can also use our easy-to-implement API to automate reward delivery at scale. Why Organizations Choose Tremendous Tremendous combines an extensive reward catalog, global reach, automation, and best-in-class support in one free-to-use platform. With billions in rewards delivered across millions of payouts, Tremendous is the platform businesses trust to send incentives worldwide. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list_llm&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1160&secure%5Bchosen_at%5D=2026-08-02T04%3A14%3A07Z&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1114&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=retargeted_product&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=118605&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=118605&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1160&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fantivirus%2Fsmall-business%3Fpage%3D3%26selected_view%3Dtrending&secure%5Btoken%5D=3901b0ff16991391579d064876e9de17aa1038273da7e05e19df871494362815&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tremendous.com%2Fpricing&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) ### [Datto AV](https://www.g2.com/products/datto-av/reviews) Next-Generation Antivirus Protection to Shield You Against Cyber Threats Datto AV stands as your business’s first line of defense, offering unparalleled, next-generation Antivirus protection. **Average Rating:** 3.7/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 11 #### How Do G2 Users Rate Datto AV? - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Quality of Support:** 10.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Ease of Use:** 7.4/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10) - **AI Text Summarization:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 7.7/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind Datto AV? - **Seller:** [Kaseya](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kaseya) - **Company Website:** www.kaseya.com - **Year Founded:** 2000 - **HQ Location:** Miami, FL - **Twitter:** @KaseyaCorp 17,411 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=6c9a31f82a811b1e3cc7be6babe8882bb8f6b2927e142d98dd6f5662a0d0e4d2&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fkaseya%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 5,471 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 100% Small #### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About Datto AV? _AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_ ##### Pros - Users find Datto AV to be **affordable** , especially when bundled with K365, offering great value compared to competitors. - Users value the **app variety** of Datto AV, seamlessly integrating across all devices without issues during deployment. - Users find Datto AV's **ease of use** remarkable, ensuring seamless installations and stable performance across all devices. - Users value the **easy access** of Datto AV, appreciating its seamless installation and reliable performance across devices. ##### Cons - Users find the **complex installation** process of Datto AV frustrating, with significant support issues hindering effectiveness. - Users find Datto AV to be **ineffective** , experiencing poor installation and unhelpful support that fails to resolve issues. - Users criticize the **poor customer support** of Datto AV, experiencing unhelpful responses and unresolved installation issues. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Datto AV? **["Centralized, Simple Endpoint Protection That Fits MSP Workflows"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/datto-av-review-12875675)** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars _— Aidan L._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/datto-av-review-12875675) **["Effective Lightweight Endpoint Protection with Easy Deployment and Centralized Management"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/datto-av-review-12881596)** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars _— Darren ._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/datto-av-review-12881596) ### [SUPERAntiSpyware](https://www.g2.com/products/superantispyware/reviews) Protect your PC from malicious threats from malware, spyware, ransomware, trojans, keyloggers, and more. Boost Microsoft Defender. Pro X Edition benefits: over 1 billion threats blocked, AI-powered detection engine, real-time threat blocking, automatic database updates, and scheduled scanning. 30-day unconditional, 100% money-back guarantee **Average Rating:** 3.9/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 46 #### How Do G2 Users Rate SUPERAntiSpyware? - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind SUPERAntiSpyware? - **Seller:** [SUPERAntiSpyware](https://www.g2.com/sellers/superantispyware) - **HQ Location:** United State - **Twitter:** @superantispy 341 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=b856e02dbd0dbd473b7d16195d8b54d65e860cec112cc2a9ac8f82c77d4ea3b1&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fsuperantispyware%2Fabout&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 3 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Accounting - **Company Size:** 76% Small, 22% Medium #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of SUPERAntiSpyware? **["The best and simplest antispyware antivirus"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/superantispyware-review-1575571)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Valentin B._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/superantispyware-review-1575571) **["I would recommend it..."](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/superantispyware-review-8095798)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Chris T._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/superantispyware-review-8095798) #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About SUPERAntiSpyware? - [What is SUPERAntiSpyware used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-superantispyware-used-for) ### [SpyBot](https://www.g2.com/products/spybot/reviews) Finds and destroys spyware, malware, adware and other malicious software **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 53 #### How Do G2 Users Rate SpyBot? - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind SpyBot? - **Seller:** [Safer-Networking](https://www.g2.com/sellers/safer-networking) - **HQ Location:** Ireland - **Twitter:** @SpybotSD 2,560 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=ba9b9579494a750fe2476bd67d5e24ff6808e743eb5457549fedf6dec7a12e9e&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F1125328%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 3 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 44% Small, 31% Medium #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of SpyBot? **["The DEFINITIVE Spyware Software You Need!"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/spybot-review-4616790)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Tony E._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/spybot-review-4616790) **["Gold standard In anti-malware and anti-virus, 15 year user"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/spybot-review-6936016)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Verified User in Education Management_ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/spybot-review-6936016) #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About SpyBot? - [What is SpyBot used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-spybot-used-for) - [What is Spybot Search Destroy vaccine?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-spybot-search-destroy-vaccine) - [Is Spybot Search and Destroy free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-spybot-search-and-destroy-free) - 1 comment - [Does Spybot remove malware?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-spybot-remove-malware) - 1 comment - [Is Spybot any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-spybot-any-good) ### [VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/vipre-endpoint-security-cloud/reviews) VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud is a next-generation antivirus (NGAV) platform, a.k.a. Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP), that detects and blocks malicious activity on your Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS desktops, laptops, and servers. Consistently ranked at the top of independent testing agencies' lists, VIPRE combines excellent detection with low false positives, minimal system impact, and an easy to use mobile-ready administrative console. Packed with other goodies such as integrated vulnerability and patch management, web access control, and DNS protection, VIPRE will keep you safe against even the most sophisticated threats. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 56 #### How Do G2 Users Rate VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud? - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud? - **Seller:** [VIPRE Security](https://www.g2.com/sellers/vipre-security) - **Year Founded:** 1994 - **HQ Location:** Clearwater, FL - **Twitter:** @VIPRESecurity 8,293 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=53e2a68445313f9c2a4873b7be54a0c91ed9e1a6b4d9b42761561274f7e66251&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F11052300%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 233 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 48% Small, 43% Medium #### What Do G2 Reviewers Say About VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud? _AI-generated summary from verified user reviews_ ##### Pros - Users appreciate the **ease of use** of VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud, finding its management console very efficient. - Users value the **alert notifications** from VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud, enhancing their awareness and response to potential threats. - Users find Vipre Endpoint Security Cloud to be **easy to install** and efficient, providing reliable protection without hassle. - Users appreciate the **central management console** of VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud, simplifying network management significantly. - Users value the **centralized management console** of VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud for simplifying network management effectively. ##### Cons - Users note that **backup issues** persist, particularly regarding the restoration of removed email links. - Users note a **lack of important features** , particularly regarding link restoration in emails that need enhancements. - Users note that the **link restoration feature** in VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud requires improvement for better usability. #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud? **["Love the Ease of Use"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/vipre-endpoint-security-cloud-review-5257779)** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars _— Verified User in Marketing and Advertising_ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/vipre-endpoint-security-cloud-review-5257779) **["Great AV software for business environments"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/vipre-endpoint-security-cloud-review-9096169)** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars _— Brian B._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/vipre-endpoint-security-cloud-review-9096169) #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About VIPRE Endpoint Security Cloud? - [How good is Vipre Antivirus?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-good-is-vipre-antivirus) - [What is endpoint security used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-endpoint-security-used-for) - [How do I upgrade Vipre endpoint security?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-upgrade-vipre-endpoint-security) - [What is Vipre endpoint security?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-vipre-endpoint-security) ### [LogMeIn Central](https://www.g2.com/products/logmein-central/reviews) Helping people and businesses access their digital lives from virtually anywhere, on any device. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 203 #### How Do G2 Users Rate LogMeIn Central? - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind LogMeIn Central? - **Seller:** [GoTo](https://www.g2.com/sellers/goto-e9cfa0d5-5de0-41fa-9bc6-a0e0ce54cb86) - **Year Founded:** 2003 - **HQ Location:** Boston, MA - **Twitter:** @goto 41,211 Twitter followers - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=c36bce21331780a56ed18c4420c1c18d88af55b922dce06cdc8cff0c4ec83019&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F37788%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 994 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Who Uses This:** IT Manager, Network Administrator - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 51% Small, 38% Medium #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of LogMeIn Central? **["LogMeIn For Fast, Efficient Remote Troubleshooting"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/logmein-central-review-12661807)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Verified User in Oil & Energy_ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/logmein-central-review-12661807) **["Great Remote Management and Remote Control software!"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/logmein-central-review-4579787)** **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars _— Fernando F._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/logmein-central-review-4579787) ### [Comodo Antivirus](https://www.g2.com/products/comodo-antivirus/reviews) Get unbeatable protection from every type of malware with Comodo's award-winning free Antivirus. Lightning fast cloud scanner blocks malware even if you don't have the latest updates. Blocks ransomware and zero-day threats by locking them in a secure container where they cannot infect your computer. **Average Rating:** 4.1/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 29 #### How Do G2 Users Rate Comodo Antivirus? - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) - **Ease of Use:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 9.0/10) #### Who Is the Company Behind Comodo Antivirus? - **Seller:** [Xcitium](https://www.g2.com/sellers/xcitium) - **Year Founded:** 2018 - **HQ Location:** Clifton, NJ - **LinkedIn® Page:** [www.linkedin.com](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bsource_type%5D=product_profile&secure%5Btoken%5D=e0cb4ba0dd67eebc596eef33c9fe6eba89a9b37cf2846608c3eac9faf2752755&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F163167%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=linkedin_company_website) 683 employees on LinkedIn® #### Who Uses This Product? - **Company Size:** 63% Small, 27% Medium #### What Are Recent G2 Reviews of Comodo Antivirus? **["¡The best antivirus program for your PC! "](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comodo-antivirus-review-1235131)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Jorge M._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comodo-antivirus-review-1235131) **["Comodo Antivirus"](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comodo-antivirus-review-7160016)** **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars _— Kazım D._ [Read full review](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/comodo-antivirus-review-7160016) #### What Are G2 Users Discussing About Comodo Antivirus? - [What is Comodo Antivirus used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-comodo-antivirus-used-for) - [‹ Prev‹ Prev](/categories/antivirus/small-business?order=g2_score&page=2&selected_view=trending#product-list) - [1](/categories/antivirus/small-business?order=g2_score&selected_view=trending#product-list) - [2](/categories/antivirus/small-business?order=g2_score&page=2&selected_view=trending#product-list) - 3 - Next ›Next › Spotlight Categories [Contact Center Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/contact-center) [ERP Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) [Identity Verification Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/identity-verification) [Customer Communications Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-communications-management) [Professional Services Automation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/professional-services-automation) Similar Categories - [Autonomous Endpoint Management (AEM)](/categories/autonomous-endpoint-management-aem) - [Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)](/categories/endpoint-detection-response-edr) - [Endpoint Management](/categories/endpoint-management) - [Endpoint Protection Platforms](/categories/endpoint-protection-platforms) [Browse Antivirus Themes](/categories/antivirus/themes) ![Brandon Summers-Miller](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Brandon Summers-Miller") BS Researched and written by [Brandon Summers-Miller](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/brandon-summers-miller) Updated Products classified in the overall Antivirus category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, small business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Small Business Antivirus to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Small Business Antivirus category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Antivirus Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Small Business Antivirus Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from a small business. Show More * * * ## How Do You Choose the Right Antivirus Software? ### What You Should Know About Antivirus Software ### What is Antivirus Software? Viruses are a specific type of malware that infects a computer, system or network and spreads like a contagion, hence the name. Most modern antivirus solutions protect against many types of malware including viruses, adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware attacks. Antivirus tools make up one component of the endpoint protection ecosystem. While antivirus covers malware protection, features for detection, remediation, and device governance may not be included. [EDR tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-detection-response-edr) typically provide a wider breadth of features for incident detection, malware isolation, and infection remediation. Endpoint management tools will supply additional features such as asset management, system requirements updates, and network monitoring. Endpoint locations and technology infrastructure are key considerations for security software. Antivirus solutions are a necessity, especially with the rise of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies. BYOD practices provide a wealth of benefits, but they can make it more difficult to close the security loop. Some antivirus apps will only support Windows or Mac devices; others support everything from tablets to smart devices. It’s important to pair your endpoint management policies with security tools that support the range of devices accessing your network. Since some employees are slow to update applications and operating systems, conflicts may arise and force administrators to regulate system requirements. Key Benefits of Antivirus Software - Block malware from infecting devices - Protect against phishing, spam, and hackers - Increase endpoint lifetime - Reduce risk of data theft, loss, or corruption - Regulate antivirus policies companywide ### Why Use Antivirus Software? Antivirus software is an important component of a well-rounded security software stack and can be a valuable addition to existing software programs. These solutions effectively reduce the presence of malware able to gain access to your company’s sensitive information. Many antivirus vendors even offer free antivirus programs for personal use. **Information security —** Companies are becoming more vigilant in protecting their sensitive business data. Industries such as financial services and banking are obvious places where it is important to keep data safe. But hackers target all kinds of companies and individuals, as almost all organizations and people have some level of valuable data stored on their networks. **Device protection —** Endpoints are disparate and plentiful in the modern world. Companies often allow users to access business data and applications on whatever device they have on hand. It’s important, however, to ensure each of those endpoints is secure. Cross-platform availability is important for companies with BYOD practices. But antivirus tools help keep dangerous programs and hackers out of your business network, regardless of the type of device they’re using. **Browsing safety —** Employees often surf the web and end up on potentially dangerous sites. If your company’s network doesn’t block unapproved sites or employees surf on their own network, it’s fairly likely they’ll end up encountering some kind of malware. Antivirus solutions are useful tools for identifying potentially dangerous material and preventing users from obtaining it. This includes clicking dangerous ads, downloading suspicious files, or getting caught in a phishing incident. All of these user behaviors can end up allowing malware entrance into a network and put business data at risk. **Employee unreliability —** Like the browser issue, employees aren’t always skilled in best practices for internet security. Many users will download an extension or program simply because a site said they have to; antivirus solutions help make it more difficult, or even impossible, to download a malicious program. These downloads could very easily include malware and wreak havoc on a company’s network. That puts both the individual user’s data at risk. And because of a virus’ ability to replicate and spread, the company’s entire network becomes a target. ### What are the Different Kinds of Antivirus Software? **Antivirus —** These are the longest-standing software type of the bunch. Viruses are the best-known and debatably the oldest forms of malware. Viruses differentiate themselves through their ability to replicate and spread. They can be attached to files from the internet, suspicious applications, and dangerous websites. Once a virus is downloaded, it can replicate and distribute its copies across computer networks. These viruses can be used for a number of nefarious purposes, such as remote access and data theft. Antivirus solutions identify known variants of viral malware. Many antivirus solutions also cover a number of the following cyberthreats, but they have historically focused on viruses. **Anti-malware —** Anti-malware solutions will cover most kinds of cyber threats that are delivered in the form of files or applications. There are millions of different malware forms that range from adware to ransomware; anti-malware software aims to prevent all kinds from harming your devices. These dangerous programs can mutate and adapt to slip by traditional firewalls and discover new exploits and zero-day vulnerabilities. As a result, many are synced to threat intelligence networks in addition to malware libraries to identify evolving forms of malware and protect against zero-day attacks. **Anti-spyware —** Spyware is a common form of malware used to secretly gather sensitive information from their targets. These can be used to track cookies, monitor systems, or harvest identity data. The most common way to infect a device with spyware is through a program called adware. These usually create popups or windows within browsers that trigger downloads when the user attempts to close them. Other forms of spyware include systems monitors, cookie trackers, and trojans, which present themselves as harmless components, but secretly possess spyware within their files. **Anti-worm —** A computer worm is a malware program that functions similarly to a virus in that it replicates itself and spreads within computer networks. Unlike viruses, worms typically don’t modify or corrupt the target’s files. They’re used for hacking practices such as creating backdoors and botnets, or launching ransomware attacks. Worms are effective ransomware attack tools since they are designed to replicate and spread quickly across large networks. A worm will lock down a network’s endpoints and require payment in return for access to the end user’s files. If they refuse, the virus may destroy or harvest an entire network’s data. **Anti-phishing —** Phishing is a common practice used to take advantage of human error. Attacks may come in the form of emails, ads, or other means of electronic communication. Phishing content mimics legitimate messages or websites and asks a user to submit credentials or banking information. Many [email gateways](https://www.g2.com/categories/secure-email-gateway) have filters to prevent phishing content from reaching users. Some antivirus solutions will also identify suspicious websites and alert users if the programs suspects a site may contain phishing content. ### Antivirus Software Features **Malware scanning —** Malware scanning features allow antivirus tools to scan devices, browsers and networks for the presence of malware. The tools will identify the location of the computer virus and alert either you or your IT administrator of its presence. Some dangerous software programs may lay dormant for extended periods of time without displaying symptoms. Hackers could leave a backdoor to gain access to your systems; they could also be waiting to execute a dangerous application. Malware scanning will identify these threats and expedite the remediation process. **Continuous scanning —** On-demand or periodic scans, while helpful, can miss malware for as long as your settings allow. Continuous scanning keeps your systems safer by constantly analyzing endpoints to identify threats as they arise. Users may forget to run scans or the periodic scans may be poorly timed, allowing a virus to infect a network. Instead of finding out once you run the scan, a continuous scanning antivirus application will alert users of threats as they emerge. **Firewall —** Firewalls provide an added layer of security by monitoring and filtering network traffic. These tools will prevent intrusions by identifying suspicious activity and either block access to the network or alert an administrator of the threat. There are multiple kinds of firewalls built for specific uses or devices. Some are designed to protect applications, while others only support specific operating systems. However, just because an application says it has firewall features, does not mean it will be effective for your specific use case. **Web protection —** Many antivirus solutions have features designed to identify potentially dangerous websites or online downloads. An antivirus program with web protection features may scan downloads before saving them or disable a site possessing adware. There are a number of different browser-based threats that can automatically trigger downloads of dangerous malware. Some even automatically download files upon entering a website without the user ever clicking a button. **Email protection —** Email protection features act like additional spam filters and file scanners. Emails from sites known to possess malware will be automatically moved to a spam folder or other isolated area. Some tools will move files to an isolated environment and scan them for dangerous components prior to actually downloading them. Other tools may identify phishing attacks before a user can input sensitive information or be led to a dangerous website. **Automatic updates —** Because there are millions of different computer viruses that could threaten your endpoints, antivirus programs must be frequently updated. These will inform the program of new threats and look out for them in the future. Automatic updates increase the antivirus tool’s effectiveness by limiting potential human error. Some users may not understand the effects of not updating their security tools; others may simply forget. Automatic updates take the responsibility out of your employee’s hands and do the job for them. **Cross-platform use —** If your company uses a variety of devices or hopes to add antivirus protection to different IT infrastructure components such as servers or computing appliances, a cross-platform tool is entirely necessary. Some programs may only function as a Mac antivirus or a Windows antivirus program. Some tools might not cover mobile devices or Linux systems. Be sure the antivirus program system requirements are met by your array of devices. ### Potential Issues with Antivirus Software **Updating software —** Employees are not always the most reliable users when it comes to keeping software applications up-to-date. Many don’t remember and others just don’t care. Failing to update antivirus software will prevent the tool from identifying new threats and informing users of potential vulnerabilities. Updated software can improve the effectiveness of an antivirus program by adding malware signatures to its database. There are millions of unique malware programs threatening companies today. Without an up-to-date database, antivirus programs may miss new and existing malware and put companies at risk. **Existing malware —** Antivirus programs provide a lot of features for analyzing systems, detecting the presence of malware, and preventing new viruses from infecting networks. But companies adopting antivirus software for the first time likely already have some malware on their devices. Antivirus software doesn’t always provide the tools necessary to remove complex forms of malware. Without the ability to detect and remove malware, companies are susceptible to a wide range of programs hackers use to access networks and steal valuable information. As a result, some antivirus solutions should be paired with an [endpoint detection and response (EDR)](https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-detection-response-edr) or [incident response](https://www.g2.com/categories/incident-response) solution to investigate and remove existing threats.