When Should You Pay for Antivirus Software?

What should you expect from a paid-for antivirus software compared to a free version? Scale has some recommendations to help you decide what level of Internet security your business needs.

Protection from malware like trojans, spyware, and viruses is important for most computer users, but for business owners it is a necessity. Increasing your antivirus software protection can not only help you to protect your identity and data, but also have a safer and more enjoyable web experience. Scale’s managed IT team explains why upgrading to paid-for antivirus software is the best way to prevent a data breach.

How Much Security Does Your Business Need?

Free antivirus software can be sufficient for limited personal use if you do not use your computer to store data or personal information. But businesses with multiple users that rely on a larger network to store data need much higher levels of protection. Losing data or personal information can be devastating for your business, which is why making sure your network is covered from all angles is crucial.

If you are trying to decide whether a free antivirus program is enough protection for your business, or if you need to upgrade to paid software, it’s a good idea to start by researching what products are out there, what they offer, and how they are reviewed.

How Important Are Extra Security Features?

The basic level of protection offered by free antivirus programs often lacks extra security features and requires additional programs to be downloaded. This leaves gaps in all of your computers’ security. To ensure maximum protection, additional anti-spyware software and anti-phishing filters must be continuously updated and in-sync.

In addition to lacking in comprehensive protection, free antivirus programs often cannot protect larger networks because they are only available to single users. They are also limited by trial periods that expire after a time limit and require users to upgrade to a paid version.

Paid-for antivirus software offers features that free versions cannot, such as automatic updates, online backup, access through a single interface, and multi-user licenses.

How Important Is Technical Support?

If disaster strikes wouldn’t you like to be able to speak with tech support to resolve any issues with your security software? Data loss can be disastrous for any business, large or small. In the event of a data breach, you need to act fast to recover lost or stolen data with the help of data recovery specialists.

Many paid-for security software providers such as McAfee and Bitdefender offer high quality 24/7 customer assistance and technical support. Most free antivirus programs, however, will only offer online support.

How to Maintain Internet Security

If your business fails to protect your data, you risk losing important information that could damage your reputation and lead to financial losses. This is why it is extremely important to implement strategies that protect data and avoid downtime. Here are some tips from Scale’s managed IT team on how to increase the Internet security for your business:

• Stay on top of regular updates. New security threats are always emerging. If you do not keep your software consistently updated, your network is at risk of being compromised. Most paid-for antivirus programs will update automatically and keep your network protected without constant management.
• Avoid computer viruses. Scale’s IT staff warns against clicking on or downloading any suspicious links or attachments, giving employees permissions to downloading software and hardware to the company’s system, and failing to maintain an up-to-date firewall.
• Get help. If managing the computer security for your business is something you do not want to do, do not know how to do, or do not have time to do, then consider partnering with a managed IT support provider. A managed IT package from Scale takes all of the pressure off you, eliminating the risk of data loss and securing your computer network.

Paid-for antivirus software is the only way to ensure maximum data protection and Internet security for your business. If you have questions about increasing your antivirus software protection for your business, contact Scale’s managed IT support team at 501-588-3199 today for professional advice on how to protect your network.

*Photo Courtesy Of: Pixabay