When it comes to IT support, Tech Support Jacksonville knows how to protect against malware and scams. While much of the protection for office computers and servers is achieved from a firewall, it is also wise to use endpoint protection, also called antivirus software. A simple search for antivirus software turns up numerous possibilities: Norton, McAfee, Webroot – which one is best? Before one antivirus software can be declared the winner, we must explore performance and cloud-based scanning, protection measures, and finally cost.

What is cloud-based antivirus?

First, it helps to know whether cloud-based technology is a fit for you. Cloud-based antivirus software uses cloud servers to actively monitor threats coming to your computer. While the software runs remotely on these servers, far less local resources are used. The upshot? Cloud-based antivirus software scans your computer MUCH faster. For instance, Webroot, a cloud-based antivirus security suite, scans a computer in about 20 seconds. By contrast, McAfee can take more than 45 minutes to complete a full scan.

Consider the use: Business or personal?

Second, consider whether the application is for business or personal use. Using endpoint protection designed to block the kind of threats faced in business situations must also take priority over simply going on Amazon and buying a product that is on sale. According to the antivirus testing company, av-test.org, there were several companies that scored a perfect on protecting against threats: 

  • Avast (Business Antivirus Pro Plus 19.7)
  • Bitdefender (Endpoint Security 6.6)
  • Kaspersky (Endpoint Security 11.1 & 11.2)
  • Windows Defender Antivirus 4.18
  • Segrite (Endpoint Security 18.00)
  • Sophos (Endpoint Security and Control 10.8)
  • Symantec (Endpoint Protection 14.2)
  • Trend Micro (Apex One 14.0)

Both Bitdefender and Avast Pro Plus did slow down computer performance. When 50 popular websites were accessed with Avast, the average High end PC slowed down its performance by 29%. Contrarily, Bitdefender only slowed down by 24% when visiting the same websites. For these reasons, several of the software packages did not score as highly on performance. Only two companies provided both excellent protection and good performance:

  • Kaspersky
  • Symantec

When the 50 popular websites were launched while Kaspersky scanned the PC, the high end pc slowed down 20%. Symantec’s software did better, only slowing down the high end workstation’s performance by 8%. However, while installing frequently used applications, Kaspersky caused the high end pc’s performance to dip by 15%, and Symantec’s caused a decrease in performance by 22%. All of this means it’s basically a tie between Kaspersky and Symantec for best antivirus for business when measuring both protection and performance.

How much does endpoint security cost?

A third consideration for endpoint security is of course cost. At current prices, one year of Avast Pro Plus for business costs $59.99 per PC. Webroot is currently priced at $59.98 per year for up to three devices, and that includes both their WiFi Security and their Antivirus. However, Webroot is mostly for personal applications, and is not optimized for business endpoint protection. By contrast, ten seats of Bitdefender Endpoint Security can be purchased for $258.99 (or about $25 per PC per year). These costs reflect current pricing and are subject to change. But none of these comes close to the affordability of Kaspersky Endpoint. The cost for the small business office security is $173.99 for 10 desktop computers each year (or only $17 per pc). A search for Symantec revealed that Norton no longer sells the Symantec Endpoint protection. Instead, they offer a product called Norton 360 with Lifelock for $99.99 each year per five devices.

Comparing Endpoint Antivirus Providers

Having no affiliation with any of these companies allows us to recommend products that best suit our clients’ unique situations. For many circumstances, Tech Support Jacksonville usually recommends using either Kaspersky or Bitdefender. Symantec, which is now Norton 360, still offers solid protection but often can sometimes annoy users with ads and pop-ups. At Tech Support Jax, we’ll ensure that the best endpoint protection is installed on all your devices. When it comes to protecting your company’s computers and vital IT systems against malware and scams, we believe in using the best software, at the most reasonable price. This is one reason Tech Support Jax continues to be a regional leader in managed IT services.

Why do I need a tech support company if I have the best antivirus?

While choosing the right antivirus software, or endpoint protection for your PC’s, can greatly help reduce the malware events on each device, this is only one small piece of your company’s technological protection. Tech Support Jacksonville specializes in all things related to computer networks and business devices and will use a holistic approach towards securing your systems. Contact us today and let us evaluate your current security situation. We can design, implement, and maintain networking and computer solutions that protect your machines from infections and other security risks.