Cyber threats are a big deal, and any business owner knows that security is a vital component that can not be ignored. When you’re looking at different types of security protection for your business, it’s easy to get confused between antivirus and endpoint protection solutions
Antivirus is a signature-based solution that is ideal for individual computers or in a SOHO environment where there are only a few computers. If you have a business network with more than a single computer, then you need much more than antivirus. You need a business antivirus solution, otherwise known as an endpoint protection solution.
The endpoint security market has evolved over the years from the traditional antivirus software into a modern security solution that includes next-generation antivirus, threat detection, and response, firewall, device management, anti-theft, encryption, intrusion prevention, data leak protection (DLP), parental control, and other technologies to mitigate evolving threats. This modern endpoint security solution is known as Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution. EDR tools continually monitor endpoints in a business network to identify malware, suspicious behavior, advanced persistent threats, and alert administrators accordingly.
In this article, we will review the 10 best business antivirus solutions. Hopefully, this will guide you in choosing the right endpoint security solution for your business.
1. Crowdstrike Falcon
CrowdStrike Falcon is an award-winning endpoint security suite that combines next-generation antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), cyber threat intelligence, managed threat hunting capabilities and security hygiene — all contained in a tiny, single, lightweight sensor that is cloud-managed and delivered. The lightweight Falcon sensor that runs on each endpoint includes all the prevention technologies required to protect the endpoint, whether it is online or offline. It uses a combination of cloud-based technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms to detect, prevent, and respond to malware threats in real-time. It is ideal for businesses and the modern work environment with stringent compliance requirements.
CrowdStrike Falcon Prevent — a Next Generation Antivirus (NGAV) solution contained within the CrowdStrike Falcon platform — allows organizations to confidently replace their existing legacy AV solutions. Incorporating identification and prevention of known malware, machine learning for unknown malware, exploit blocking and advanced Indicator of Attack (IOA) behavioral techniques, Falcon Prevent protects against attacks whether your endpoints are online or offline. Falcon Prevent also features integration with Windows System Center, for those organizations who need to prove compliance with appropriate regulatory requirements.
The licensing and pricing plans for Falcon vary based on the level of security, features and number of endpoint devices to be protected. Pricing is usually based on an annual subscription per endpoint and is generally calculated based on the number of devices and the edition of Falcon that you choose. A free trial is available on request.
2. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a comprehensive enterprise endpoint security platform offered by Microsoft Corporation. It provides real-time protection, detection and response capabilities to defend against malware and zero-day threats using AI and deep learning to further reinforce the security perimeter of your network. The solution integrates multiple security technologies including antivirus, firewall, intrusion prevention, and more to protect against a range of threats including malware, ransomware, and nation-state attacks. Microsoft was named Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management Tools. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is available as part of Microsoft 365, which is a subscription-based service. The pricing for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will depend on the specific Microsoft 365 plan that you choose, as well as the number of licenses needed. Microsoft also offers a free version of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which is included with Windows 10 and can be used to protect personal devices running Windows 10. This version provides basic security features, including antivirus, firewall, and intrusion prevention, to help protect against common threats A free 3-month trial is available on request.
3. VMware Carbon Black
VMware Carbon Black combines next-gen antivirus with endpoint detection and response (EDR) technology to create a comprehensive endpoint protection solution against malware attacks. The solution includes an on-premises and cloud-based endpoint protection capability known as Carbon Black Cloud. This enables it to apply behavioral analytics to endpoint events to achieve greater efficiency in detection, prevention, and response to cyber-attacks. VMware was named Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management Tools.
VMware Carbon Black recently pioneered the use of network detection and response (NDR) via NSX Advanced Threat Prevention, together with VMware Carbon Black Cloud, to correlate detected threats across endpoint and network telemetry. The solution is ideal for modern businesses as well as Security Operations Center (SOC) teams responsible for threat hunting and incident response in a hybrid (on-premises and cloud) environment. Other common use cases include breach preparation, alert validation and triage, root cause analysis, forensic investigations, and host isolation.
Carbon Black EDR can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or a combination of both (hybrid deployment). It is also available via managed security service providers (MSSP) or directly as a subscription-based SaaS offering. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, and Linux (Red Hat, CentOS, and SuSE).
4. Ivanti Unified Endpoint Manager
Ivanti Endpoint Manager is one of the leading Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) platforms that allows IT to deliver a secure digital workspace. Ivanti rose to prominence following a series of acquisitions of key players in IT security, identity management, and UEM such as RES Software, Pulse Secure, MobileIron, and others. With Ivanti Endpoint Manager, organizations can discover their assets everywhere, secure work experience, and automatically identify and fix endpoint issues with real-time intelligence. Ivanti was named Leader in the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Unified Endpoint Management Tools.
Ivanti leverages AI and machine learning to address the growing security concerns of the modern workplace; and is available on-premise or in the cloud with Ivanti Neurons for UEM. Using Ivanti Endpoint Manager transforms and brings order to a chaotic business and network environment while keeping your business assets and network resources secure, and providing the freedom your employees need to be more productive.
The licensing and pricing for Ivanti Endpoint Manager is based on the number of endpoint devices that need to be managed. The exact pricing will depend on various factors such as the size of the organization and the specific requirements of the customer. Ivanti offers several pricing options including perpetual, subscription, and cloud-based deployment.
5. Trellix Endpoint Security (ENS)
Trellix is a high-flying modern business endpoint protection solution company. Trellix was launched in 2022 following the acquisition of McAfee’s Enterprise business and FireEye by Symphony Technology Group (STG). Trellix protects and empowers your workforce with an integrated security framework that protects every endpoint. Trellix Endpoint Security (ENS) solutions apply proactive threat intelligence and defenses across your hybrid cloud ecosystem, all while uniquely delivering security management, automation, and orchestration at scale. Trellix ENS offers a number of features, including real-time anti-malware protection, firewall and network security, web and email protection, and extended detection and response (XDR).
Trellix is the most reviewed vendor on the Gartner Peer Insights for Endpoint Protection Platforms. Trellix Endpoint Security (ENS) earned the highest AAA rating in the SE Labs Endpoint Security (EPS) 2022 Q4 test for both Enterprise and Small Business categories. Trellix ENS also achieved a 100% detection rate for malware including ransomware with zero false positives. With this high detection power and non-reliance on signature detection, you can take its antivirus capabilities with confidence.
6. ESET Endpoint Security
ESET Endpoint Security is a cybersecurity solution for businesses and organizations. It provides a range of security features, including antivirus and anti-malware protection, firewall, intrusion detection and prevention, web filtering, and device control, among others. ESET has something for everyone. ESET products include tools for antivirus protection, internet security, smart security, cyber security, and endpoint detection and response for Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android devices. These tools are targeted at individual users, SMBs, and large-scale enterprises, as well as mobile and smart devices.
The following are some of the popular ESET endpoint security products for businesses:
- ESET Internet Security: ESET Internet Security software is designed to protect today’s active internet-connected devices—Windows, macOS, and Android. In addition to the expected antivirus, antispam, and firewall features, ESET Internet Security also incorporates online banking and webcam protection, anti-theft, and parental control. It is ideal for users who actively use the internet for eCommerce transactions, online banking, work, and communication. A free 30-day trial is available.
- ESET Smart Security Premium: This product contains premium features for the comprehensive protection of your Windows, Mac, and Android devices. It is designed for users who want advanced security features, including advanced threat detection, especially for ransomware and zero-day threats, theft protection, and password management. A free 30-day trial is available.
- ESET Mobile Security: Antivirus protection for your Android smartphone and tablet. It also includes premium features such as online banking protection and anti-theft. A free 30-day trial of the premium features is available.
- ESET Protect Entry: A multilayered endpoint protection for computers, smartphones, and virtual machines in a corporate network. Available for cloud or on-premises deployment. It comes with a console with single-pane-of-glass remote management for visibility of threats, users, and quarantined items. Other components include cloud‑based console, endpoint protection, and file server security. An interactive online demo and a free 30-day trial are available.
- ESET Protect Advanced: This has all the features of ESET Protect Entry plus full disk encryption and cloud sandbox features to keep your endpoints secure from ransomware and zero‑day threats. It is ideal for businesses that want more advanced security protection.
- ESET Protect Complete: This gets you everything in the Advanced tier plus mail security (spam and malware) and cloud application (MS Office 365, and others) security features. ESET Protect Complete is easily among the most expensive offerings from ESET.
- ESET Protect Enterprise: This gets you everything in the Advanced tier plus Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities for identification and response to anomalous behavior, incidents, and breaches.
ESET Endpoint Security pricing is based on the number of devices and the length of the license term. Prices can vary depending on the number of devices, region, and specific features required. Typically, businesses and organizations can purchase ESET Endpoint Security licenses on a per-device, per-year basis. The exact cost of the license will depend on the number of devices and the length of the license term, with discounts available for longer license terms.
7. Trend Micro Apex One
Trend Micro Apex One is a cloud-delivered endpoint security solution offered by Trend Micro, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions. Apex One provides real-time protection against malware threats, including ransomware, and phishing attacks. The software leverages an agent that resides at the endpoint and the Apex One server that manages all the local endpoint agents. The software supports both SaaS and on-premises deployment options.
Trend Micro Apex One offers several editions to meet different security needs, including Apex One Endpoint Security, Apex One Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Apex One Managed Detection and Response (MDR). The exact features and level of protection will depend on the edition that you choose.
The pricing for Trend Micro Apex One is typically based on an annual subscription per endpoint, and is calculated based on the number of devices and the edition of the solution that you choose. The exact pricing will depend on various factors such as the size of the organization and the specific requirements of the customer. A 30-day free trial is available on request.
8. SentinelOne Singularity
SentinelOne is a relatively young company that has emerged as one of the leading next-generation endpoint security solution providers. For SentinelOne to have gotten to this position within a short period, they must be doing something right. SentinelOne Singularity is an autonomous, single-agent solution that combines endpoint protection (EPP), endpoint detection and response (EDR), IoT security, and cloud workload protection (CWPP) into a centralized platform that delivers top-notch enterprise-grade real-time protection against malware threats and advanced persistent threats across Windows, Linux, and macOS.
SentinelOne Singularity uses a combination of artificial intelligence and behavioral analysis to detect and prevent cyber attacks in real-time. It provides a centralized platform for managing and securing endpoints, including desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. The licensing and pricing for SentinelOne Singularity is typically based on an annual subscription per endpoint, and is calculated based on the number of devices that need to be protected. The exact pricing will depend on various factors such as the size of the organization and the specific requirements of the customer.
9. KasperskyEndpoint Security for Business
Kaspersky Lab is one of the largest antivirus and endpoint security vendors in the market. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business provides on-premises or in-the-cloud protection and EDR capabilities for organizations across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Kaspersky has consistently been recognized as a Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for Endpoint Protection Platforms, among other industry recognitions.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and offers multiple security technologies, including antivirus, firewall, intrusion prevention, and more, to provide a complete solution for endpoint protection. The solution is available in several editions to meet different security needs, including Kaspersky Total Security for Business, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Select, and Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced.
The pricing for Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business is typically based on an annual subscription per endpoint, and is calculated based on the number of devices and the edition of the solution that you choose. The exact pricing will depend on various factors such as the size of the organization and the specific requirements of the customer. A free online demo and a free trial are available on request.
10. Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security
Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security is a cybersecurity solution designed for businesses and organizations. GravityZone Business Security prides itself as a budget-friendly business next-gen antivirus. It provides centralized management and security for endpoints, servers, virtual environments, mobile devices, and email.
The solution offers a range of security features, including antivirus and anti-malware protection, web filtering, firewall, network threat protection, and device control, among others. GravityZone Business Security helps organizations to secure their networks, sensitive data, and endpoints from a variety of cyber threats. Everything is available in a single, easy-to-use platform for all your devices: desktops, laptops, physical and virtual servers, allowing you to choose between a cloud or an on-premise hosted management console.
Like with many other enterprise security solutions, the pricing and licensing of Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security depend on the specific needs and requirements of the customer. The cost of a license typically depends on the number of devices (laptops, desktops, file servers) you want to protect, the length of the license term, and the specific features required.
