An antivirus tool is essential for protecting your computer from internet dangers including malware, viruses, spyware, and other threats. When looking for an antivirus, you’ll discover that there are many free solutions available. Many users believe that if there are free options accessible, why not make use of them?

The issue with that approach is that antivirus software is no different from other products in that you get what you pay for. Most likely, a significant aspect of your life involves your computer. Many people utilize their computers for work purposes in addition to utilizing them for pleasure and staying connected. The endgame is that you require your computer to work properly and that you don’t want information about you to be stolen by cybercriminals.

Free antivirus software may be alluring for a company trying to save money, but in the long run, it will cost you more than simply paying for security upfront. Listed below are the reasons why you should avoid it.

It’s most likely out-dated

Companies that provide free antivirus software typically don’t invest as much in upgrading and enhancing it as they do with their paid products. This is understandable given that they are not profiting from it and that they normally make it available for private use, which carries a lower level of risk. Businesses that employ free antivirus software run the risk of weaknesses that commercial software versions have fixed because it typically operates on older hardware than their paid counterparts.

You might want to think about an endpoint protection platform (EPP) that combines antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and threat intelligence rather than antivirus software on its own. This combination will identify and quarantine dangers currently present on your devices, stop malware that tries to connect to your network and keep updating as new threats materialize. While EDR can prevent zero-day threats from continuing a successful campaign, threat intelligence is essential for preventing known malware.

Companies contain higher-value data

Because personal accounts contain less sensitive data than commercial accounts do, free antivirus software is effective for home usage. For instance, if a hacker is lucky, they might obtain four sets of login information or credit card information from a home account. However, if a bad guy targets a company, he or she may quickly obtain a large number of personal records. Businesses handle a lot of important data, making them more susceptible to threats like ransomware, data scraping, and credential theft.

These companies must safeguard not solely their own networks but also the information of their customers. Even though you are powerless to control the security settings on your consumers’ devices, you can make sure that your website has an SSL certificate to safeguard sensitive data like credit card numbers. Consider using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to confirm your customers’ identities and keep control of their accounts as well.

It’s not likely to comply with regulations.

Companies that directly accept payments using credit or debit cards through their websites must adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). As we’ve already discussed, one necessity is that the antivirus software is frequently updated, which might not be the situation with a free version.

Free antivirus software exposes medical businesses to assaults that might probably be prevented with paid antivirus software, even if the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) isn’t very clear about security requirements because medical organizations vary greatly. Free antivirus programs would probably not adhere to HIPAA requirements because there is an option that would safeguard patient data.

Businesses in sectors with strict regulations, such as healthcare or finance, should think about implementing a zero-trust security system that incorporates or includes antivirus software. Zero-trust software regularly checks a user’s credentials and keeps track of their activities to make sure that are who they claim to be and aren’t acting unusually. It alerts the IT team to anomalies so they can evaluate and can isolate suspected dangers while IT investigates. The system might disable access, for instance, if a worker accesses private data after hours so that IT has the chance to look into the incident and restore the user’s credentials.

Free antivirus programs might not be licensed for business use

Free antivirus software is not only not recommended for corporate usage, several providers outright refuse to license their free version for commercial use. For instance, Malwarebytes only makes its free version available for personal use. The business will probably terminate your access if you break the license agreement, and you might have to pay them compensation as well. Simply paying for the program in advance is preferable.

Although antivirus software can help protect against infection, most businesses will require more advanced features. To increase detection and provide more insight into attacks, extended detection and response (XDR) platforms integrate numerous security technologies into a single platform. All of an organization’s endpoints can be seen thanks to XDR, which also automatically monitors, detects threats, and starts remediation.

If the reasons above still don’t convince you of its downsides, here are some more:

• Minimal support. The majority of significant antivirus vendors only provide online FAQs and discussions rather than free over-the-phone help for users of their free apps.
• Obvious weaknesses. When put to the test by review sites, free antivirus software frequently performs admirably, but online thieves aren’t looking to test your antivirus; they’re looking to defeat it. You become susceptible if you use an antivirus that has any vulnerabilities.
• Excess bloatware. By adding a ton of bloatware tremendous their free products, companies may profit from providing free software. It might contain junkware and crapware, both of which are bothersome and pointless for your computer. Free antivirus programs may install unwanted junk that drastically slows down your machine.
• Toolbars. Your web browsing can be slowed down by toolbars. It frequently leaves some remnants in the registry of your computer after being uninstalled. In order to reroute your internet traffic and make some money, it might even modify your preferred webpage.
• Tracking your browsing habits. Additionally, free antivirus software might keep track of your browsing patterns and sell that information to various businesses. Before downloading free antivirus software, it is best to think about what you are getting because it can have certain drawbacks that can reduce your user experience. You shouldn’t let a single piece of free software jeopardize the usability of your computer.

The Ugly Truth

One single data breach by cybercriminals is all it takes to cause millions of pounds worth of damage to your company. That might be enough to force you to shut down your company or even sink you into a sea of crippling debt.

Are you prepared to take such a significant risk with your entire company and the safety of your customers? Can you bear the danger of using free antivirus software to save money?

Any sane individual would pause to consider how they are safeguarding their most prized possessions. You would be wise to invest in an excellent antivirus product that is regularly updated as a result. It will offer the security that both your customers and your company require.

To determine the precise level of protection you require, we advise that you seek an expert.

Choosing An Antivirus Software For Your Business

Free antivirus software is insufficient for your company, but it can be difficult to decide between expensive ones. You want to hunt for software that can protect both recognized and unrecognized hazards and is compatible with a range of gadgets. Additionally, if you handle a lot of sensitive information or work in a sector with strict regulations, you might want to think about adding more security measures like EPP, XDR, or zero-trust software.

To find the best antivirus software for your business, contact us today! After answering a few questions about your business, you’ll get a short, unbiased list of customized recommendations.