What is antivirus software? Why is it necessary to have antivirus for my business?

As businesses are getting fully or partially digital (online), the number of cyber-attacks keeps breaking records every year. Hence, the need for antivirus software is much greater now and in the future.

Released in August 2021, a new report based on cyber security revealed that on average an organization in the UAE is facing cyber-attacks 295 times per week. The most heavily impacted sector is the finance and banking sector (with 407 weekly attacks), followed by hospitality (118 weekly attacks), and retail (with 107 weekly attacks).

So, it is pretty clear that the UAE is a lucrative target for hackers as the nation loses $1.4 billion per year to cybercrime. Though the cybercrime data is pretty scary, you can take steps to protect your business from cyber threats. The best way to do that is to deploy antivirus software in your systems.

In this guide, we will walk you through the following questions:

• What is antivirus software?
• Is antivirus software effective?
• Is antivirus protection essential for my small business?

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software, as the name applies, is a type of software that is exclusively designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses and malware from a computer or computer network. Antivirus software solutions are available in the market for both personal and business use.

Is antivirus software effective?

Modern antivirus software comes equipped with technology that proactively protects your device from a vast range of malicious software intended to harm your computer systems or mobile devices.

Anytime you or your employee downloads something from the internet, visit a website, or open an email attachment, there are higher chances that your computer system might get infected with some kind of malware.

Antivirus software works as a barrier (more precisely, as a defense layer) between your computer system and malware and other malicious programs. It keeps an eye on everything that is being downloaded or used on your system to catch security risks and also finds one that you didn’t even know about.

So, yes, antivirus software is very effective and efficient at keeping your computer systems and mobile devices safe from cybercrime and threats.

Is antivirus protection essential for my small business?

By now, you might have got the impression that antivirus software just protects your computer from viruses and malware. While protecting your computer systems and network from online threats, breaches, and crimes is in itself a big enough reason to implement it in your business IT infrastructure, you can find here more reasons why your business (and even personal computer and mobile devices) needs the best antivirus software.

1. Protects Your Business from Ransomware

Ransomware is said to be one of the most dangerous forms of malware because it is very difficult to detect and almost impossible to cure. The only solution is full disk formatting, which means all information will be lost. As a result, many businesses have to pay huge ransoms to scammers in exchange for the remote chance of regaining access to their important data. Thus, you need strong antivirus software to prevent your systems from getting infected with ransomware and save money.

2. Helps Your Safeguard Sensitive Data

Protection of personal and financial data is not only important to your customers but also to your business. Failing to do so can slap a huge fine and penalty on your business for not taking necessary and appropriate measures against cybercrime. Antivirus software can help you keep sensitive information such as credit cards, bank accounts, passwords, and confidential data out of hackers’ reach.

3. Provides Solid E-mail Protection

It is not a secret that e-mails are the common channels used by scammers and hackers to transfer viruses and Trojans. While Trojans attack the operating system, damage important files, and allow swindlers access to your system, modern viruses are smart enough to come in the form of harmless images, text files, and links. One-click, no matter if it is intentional or accidental, will infect your system instantly. Good antivirus software automatically scans the incoming attachments and warns you about any suspicious files and potential threats.

4. Ensures Enhanced Online Security

If you run an online business, accept payments online, or store any sensitive information online, then strong and reliable antivirus software is a must for your business. It will carry out detection and blocking of phishing and fraudulent sites automatically and timely. Many AVs come with extra online security features such as improved protection of financial transactions with the help of advanced encryption technology.

5. Professional Support and Ease of Use and Management

Businesses that buy premium antivirus software packs usually get professional technical support from their providers as well. Some exclusive providers offer 24/7 support, knowledge-transfer sessions, and online consultations. Besides, unlike home versions, business-grade antivirus software packages also offer ways to manage security via a single centralized console. No matter the size of your business, an administrator can control all connected devices remotely with ease.

Besides, when you buy antivirus software for your business, you can easily get several user packs under one license.

Thus, if you haven’t implemented antivirus software in your business yet or are thinking about upgrading it, contact IT Network Technologies to learn what antivirus pack options you have and which of them best suits your business.

Author: TechBlonHub

As a passionate blogger, I'm thrilled to share my expertise, insights, and enthusiasm with you. I believe that technical knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. That's why I take the time to craft detailed, well-researched content that's easy to follow, even for non-tech. I love hearing from you, answering your questions, and learning from your experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that's tailored to your needs and interests