Things to Know Before Installing Antivirus Software

Given the topic on hand, protecting your business from viruses is not as simple as just purchasing antivirus software. In fact, quite the opposite. It’s important to pay attention to these 10 determinants to purchasing antivirus software when shopping to ensure you are truly protecting your business from viruses—and not just purchasing a false sense of security.

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and growing, which is why purchasing the appropriate antivirus software for your business is as important as ever. What threats is your business being targeted for on a daily basis? How do you interact with your computer most frequently? What exactly should you look for when purchasing antivirus software for your business? 

We’re answering all of these questions…and more.

10 Things to Know Before Installing Antivirus Software 

1. Price

As with the purchase of any software, price often becomes the preliminary factor to consider before purchasing. You will come across all kinds of versions and features priced across a broad spectrum; some free and some cost hundreds of dollars. An important thing to remember: more expensive doesn’t always mean better, but you also get what you pay for. Do NOT use free Antivirus software in a business setting. Also, don’t pick the cheapest software out there, but it’s also not always necessary to pick the most expensive one either. The best answer here is work with a knowledgeable IT Company to determine the best solution for your budget.

2. Email Scanning

Because a high percentage of computer attacks and issues come from spam email, a key feature of many antivirus software is email scanning. This is something that can save your computer from having its hard drive erased or personal data revealed to prying eyes. Antivirus email scans can alert you when one of these threats has been found before you open or click anywhere in the message. 

3. Spyware/Malware Scans

The best antivirus solutions also look for spyware and malware in addition to protection against viruses. Spyware and malware have the potential to compromise your personal information—something as simple as browsing the internet can cause spyware and malware to enter your computer. Spyware and malware scans will scan and protect you from these invisible threats.

4. Speed

How the antivirus itself impacts computer performance can be an important topic to computer power users. Not all solutions are created equal in regards to memory and CPU footprint. However, is a solution that quickly scans your files doing a thorough job? A rule of thumb is: fast, cheap, good — choose 2. Another rule of thumb, have your qualified IT Company deal with this stuff because you have more important things going on.

5. Privacy Policy

Always be careful of who you give your data to—yes, even when you’re purchasing antivirus software. It may sound crazy, but some of the biggest manufacturers of free antivirus and computer security programs are also the biggest sharers of personal information. Make sure you fully read (yeah right) policies and understand how your personal information will or will not be shared. 

6. Real-Time Scanning

Understanding how your antivirus program will run—and how that will enhance or inhibit your business practices—is an important factor to consider before purchasing. For instance, some programs will only scan files and folders at pre-scheduled times. Others will scan every file and folder you interact with. Long story short, let a qualified IT Company select the tool for the job that they stand behind and avoid free solutions.

7. Free Trial

Free trials are a great way to find out if a particular software is the right fit for you, your computer and/or your business. Consider choosing a software if they offer a free trial option so you can test out features, accessibility, etc before purchasing. Or, if you’re like most businesses, you find a qualified IT Company and let them worry about this stuff. 

Ready to take the next step? PK Tech can help. If you have questions about how to install antivirus software, or would like someone to do it for your business, we’re here to help. To contact PK Tech, click here.

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