Choosing The Best Antivirus Software for Small Businesses
The Rising Threat of Cyberattacks on Small Businesses
Running a small business means juggling a lot of responsibilities, and cybersecurity shouldn’t be the one that keeps you up at night. There was a time when the odds of getting hacked or hit by ransomware—a form of malware that encrypts your files, systems, or network and demands payment for their release—were relatively low for small businesses. Today, that’s no longer the case.
Is it paranoid to worry about cybersecurity? Hardly. Awareness is the first step toward protection. According to an Accenture Cybercrime Study, nearly 45% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.
If you’re not a cybersecurity expert, building a sophisticated anti-malware program isn’t an option. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a tech genius to protect yourself. I’ve researched two of the leading cybersecurity programs that are both affordable and effective: Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection.
Choosing the Right Antivirus Software for Your Small Business
If developing your own anti-malware program is out of the question—and if, like me, you find the technical side of cybersecurity a bit overwhelming—there are excellent off-the-shelf solutions that can provide reliable protection. Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection are two of the longest-standing names in the industry, each with decades of experience protecting small businesses.
Top Antivirus Software for Small Businesses
- AURA (4.9+ rating, founded 2017)
- TOTALAV (4.7+ rating, founded 2016)
- MALWAREBYTES (4.5+ rating, founded 2008)
- AVAST ONE PREMIUM (4.5+ rating, founded 2023)
While I don’t mean to slight these alternatives, I’ve personally used Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection for over 37 years, and both have proven reliable. Below, I’ll break down their pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your small business. Norton sells for about $100 and offers a wider array of features, often scoring higher in independent tests. However, McAfee is generally easier to use and may offer better value, typically selling for under $50.
Norton 360 vs. McAfee Total Protection: Side-by-Side Comparison
Norton 360
Link(Founded 1991, 4.5-star rating, ~$100)
Pros:
- Strong protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks
- A wide array of security features
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Higher price compared to some competitors
- Occasional false positives in security scans
McAfee Total Protection
Link(Founded 1987, 4.4-star rating, ~$50)
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and quick installation
- Good value for small businesses
- Strong privacy features
- McAfee Shredder permanently removes deleted files
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive, slowing down some systems
- Occasional false positives, similar to Norton
- Firewall protection has been scaled back in recent versions, leaving more reliance on built-in OS firewalls
Should You Pay for Antivirus Software?
There are plenty of free antivirus programs available, so why pay for one? Free software isn’t necessarily bad, but it often comes with limitations. Before choosing free protection, consider the following:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Independent Reviews | Has the software been reviewed and approved by a trusted cybersecurity organization? |
| Adequate Protection | Does it meet your business’s specific security needs? |
| Support and Features | Are you comfortable with the potential lack of customer support and advanced security features? |
If a free antivirus program meets your requirements and is independently vetted, it might be a reasonable choice. Just be sure you understand its limitations.
Are Apple Products Immune to Malware? What Every Small Business Owner Should Know
You may have heard that Apple products have built-in malware protection. While this is true to some extent, relying solely on macOS security features can be risky.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Macs Are Not Immune | Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting macOS users. |
| Built-In Limitations | Apple’s built-in security (XProtect) has limitations and may not be as robust as third-party antivirus programs. |
| Broader Protection | Programs like TotalAV Mac Antivirus & Security, Norton 360 Deluxe, Bitdefender, and Intego Mac Internet Security X9 offer superior defenses. |
| Apple’s Position | While Apple doesn’t explicitly recommend antivirus software, it also doesn’t discourage it. |
| Daily Scanning | Apple includes a built-in Malware Removal Tool (MRT) that scans for and removes detected threats daily. |
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
No single antivirus solution is perfect, but taking cybersecurity seriously is essential for small businesses. Whether you choose Norton 360, McAfee Total Protection, or another provider, investing in reliable security software will help protect your business from cyber threats. If you run a Mac, don’t assume you’re immune—additional protection may be necessary.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business needs, budget, and level of comfort with cybersecurity tools. But one thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option.
