You might wonder if your business needs an antivirus program with all the modern-day cybersecurity threats. TLDR; yes. Operating systems like Windows 11 come equipped with established antivirus programs like Windows Defender; however, if you want the best protection possible, subscribing to a more sophisticated, business-oriented program may pay off. Below are some ways to stay protected and avoid a dreaded fissure in your security.
The Role of Enhanced Cybersecurity
With more, if not most, of our businesses going online, is it worth investing in enhanced cybersecurity? Absolutely. Hackers and self-proclaimed “virus entrepreneurs” are getting smarter, faster, and harder to beat. As Windows and Linux develop better protections and everyday browsers develop their own protection, cybercriminals develop better means and attack plans. Through spyware and malware, cybercriminals find openings in security software with basic protection and exploit them. This makes your system vulnerable to attack unless you have more sophisticated antivirus software.
These days businesses and organizations need to be prepared for ransomware attacks. Ransomware is malware designed to deny a user or organization access to files on their computer. By encrypting these files and demanding a ransom payment for the decryption key, cyberattackers place organizations in a position where paying the ransom is the easiest and cheapest way to regain access to their files. A cybercrime group called SamSam has invaded hospitals (Indiana), city networks (Atlanta), and transportation hubs (Port of San Diego).
A Closer Look at Zero-Day Exploits
Software updates can protect you from threats when threats are known, but what about the unknown threats? Or the yet-to-be-discovered threats? These are called ‘zero-day’ exploits, and they can enter your system incognito without detection. They get bought and sold on online black markets unbeknownst to your antivirus service provider.
Because of these ‘zero-day’ exploits, programs like endpoint security add needed additional protection. Antivirus can only block against threats, while endpoint security can find threats dwelling on devices. Endpoint security is pivotal in keeping your network stable.
Protecting For External Data Attacks
Another recommended protection that might be included in modern antivirus is protection from external data attacks. This keeps your browsing safe from phishing, malicious websites, and anti-ransomware, so your data is encrypted and safe from being held for ransom.
The mobility of smartphones, tablets, and laptops means these devices are used daily and often. The demand and increase in use mean mobile devices and a mobile workforce have increased vulnerability risk. We may not think of our smartphones as susceptible to viruses, but it is crucial to protect those devices and keep our networks and data private and protected.
More devices mean more threats and more security, and a mobile world means we’re sharing more networks than ever. There’s only so much we can do when we aren’t connecting to our networks, so complete, global coverage of personal and work endpoints is the best way to stay secure.
The Importance of Standardized Device Policies
As businesses large and small battle budget constraints and seek cost-saving strategies, more employees are being asked to use their personal devices at work. A BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, if you will. As effective as this may be, it invites many unknown security threat possibilities to the table. Your device may seem protected, but with all the endpoints connected, with an unknown history, and connections to external cloud services from the company network, it’s impossible to predict what is in/has been/will be jeopardized.
Common sensibility might make you feel protected and like you’re being cautious and that an attack won’t happen to you. This is natural. However, data says it is getting harder and harder to use caution as cyber threats, email scams, and hidden malware seem legitimate. It will always be best for you and your employees to train in identifying viruses and malware, so your own detection ability is another layer of protection.
How Can Businesses Prepare for Cyberattacks?
Sometimes a system can get infected and cleaned immediately with no loss incurred. We want to avoid that minuscule mistake that costs a UK government faction almost £10,000. And that’s one example. The cost could be higher or even priceless private data. Build confidence in your team and customers with the knowledge that your devices and network are protected with a competent antivirus.
But what if my operating system has a built-in antivirus? Hmm, good question! Yes, Windows 11 has Windows Defender, and it updates with the latest protection from Microsoft. But is it enough to fend off all of the possible threats from every connected endpoint, some that have outdated virus definitions, different operating systems, or unmanaged BYOD personal devices that your IT support doesn’t know about? Yes, it is possible (but unlikely), and with such a variety of vulnerabilities, it is a high risk to your devices and network.
Testing reflects that Windows Defender can struggle with certain domain checks and can return false positives, which could create new obstacles in protecting yourself.
Streamlined, all-inclusive, comprehensive protection from a trusted company with customizable security will best protect your organization. This may be a paid-for solution, but the result is well worth it. Professionals are building professional software to protect your professional (and personal) well-being.
More than ever, it is essential to prepare for potential extensive cybersecurity attacks. Be it malware, ransomware, or any threat that needs to be neutralized. The new life of a digital age allows working from home and on the go, and pairing strong on-device and in-the-cloud software with your company’s IT team means you can continue working without worry.
Why Choose Small Enterprise Technology?
Small Enterprise Technology was founded to provide its clients with a professional, first-class customer experience. Their goal is to be your technology partner, not just another IT helpdesk. Reach out to a customer representative with any further inquiries. To learn more about how Small Enterprise Technology can help your business stay protected from data leakages and loss, call or contact us today to get started!