What Type of Security Software is Best for My Small Business?

Since the first computer viruses started rolling out in the late 80’s most businesses have taken steps to secure their data, email and internet communications. Fortunately, as viruses and malware have evolved so has the technology to fight it. The best security software for your small business depends on the size and nature of your business. Security options range from basic antivirus software to complete endpoint protection.

The Nature of How We Conduct Business Today

If you're involved in business, you're online and mobile. In the past, only people in office environments used computers regularly; other businesses continued to rely on hand-written invoices and an adding machine. But today, even your local independent plumber conducts business via a mobile phone and manages business transactions such as invoice creation and customer management with a computer. So everyone, no matter the size of the business, needs to take action to protect company information, financial data and communications.

I know I need to secure my business computers. Which security software is best for my small business?

The software you need depends on how many computers you use and how you use those computers. Here are a few scenarios:

I work by myself.
In this case, most likely you use your computer for email, internet research, contact management and invoice creation software or an online accounting service. An online invoicing service such as FreshBooks or Harvest are great choices since they provide excellent security to their customers, so that is a good start. If you work by yourself, you can usually maintain your security using the Windows firewall and updates, a free antivirus application like AVG Free for PCs or Sophos for Macs, and a browser with the pop-up blocker enabled. If you travel, laptop theft is another thing to take preventative action against; LoJack and a Kensington lock can help you. LoJack is laptop security software that includes GPS positioning, theft recovery support and lockdown tools for securing your information. A Kensington lock is a cable that can physically lock your laptop to a table or other secure object. For your mobile phone you should consider installing mobile security software that can protect your phone from malware. And if your phone is lost or stolen you can remotely erase your data and memory cards.

Summary:
Online billing and invoice service: FreshBooks, Harvest, Invoicera or ZOHO
Antivirus: AVG or Sophos
Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer
Laptop Theft Protection: LoJack and a Kensington lock
Mobile Phone: Security software like Bullguard, SMobile, Kaspersky or ESET

I own a small, non-traveling company that I plan to keep small that uses less than 10 Windows-based PCs.
At this point, you likely have been using a popular security application such as Norton, AVG, BitDefender or Kaspersky but are ready to ramp up your security. You are also likely tired of having to check all 10 of your computers every few months to make sure their software is up-to-date. If this is the case you are ready for a product like Kaspersky Small Office. With this software you can manage the security of up to 10 computers from one PC and you can manage things like what websites your employees are allowed to visit. You can even lock down specific files and folders. This software can also help you with other tasks like scheduling backups and scanning emails for malware.

Summary:
10 or fewer Windows-Based PCs: Kaspersky Small Office
15 or fewer Windows and/or Mac Computers: ESET or Sophos

I own a small business that is growing and I need to manage more than 10 computers or laptops.
Your business is ready to evolve to the next level of security, which is endpoint protection software. This software can manage up to 200 computers or laptops and all communications and devices from one central control console. Endpoint protection goes beyond just internet security – it can manage what files your employees can have access to, limit things like downloading or sharing of sensitive information, secure connected or externally connected storage devices and much more. They also protect servers and some can even manage mobile phone security applications. Two great endpoint solutions include Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection and AVG Internet Security. AVG can manage up to 200 Windows-based PCs and servers. Sophos can manage up to 100 devices and supports 25 platforms including non-Windows based operating systems, Macs and mobile phones. Most providers also offer other versions that can manage thousands of computers and mobile devices. You may also want to consider server backup software such as NovaBACKUP or Acronis Backup & Recovery.

Summary:
10 or more Windows-based computers, laptops or servers: AVG Internet Security
10 or more Windows, Mac, Linux or Unix platform based computers, servers, laptops or mobile phones: Sophos Endpoint Security and Data Protection
For laptops: LoJack and a Kensington lock
For Mobile Phones: Sophos Mobile Security
For Macs: Sophos Anti-Virus for Macs
Backup for Windows-based Servers: NovaBACKUP
Backup for Windows-based or Linux Servers: Acronis Backup & Recovery

Securing your small business’s PCs, Macs, laptops, mobile phones and servers is fortunately easier than ever, and in most cases you can do it yourself. There are extremely affordable and capable solutions available for one-person operations or growing companies with a variety of assets.

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