Top 10 Antivirus (Endpoint protection) software for business

February 03, 2024 | Editor: Michael Stromann


Antivirus (Endpoint protection) software for business provides comprehensive security solutions to protect endpoints, such as computers, laptops, and mobile devices, from malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. These software solutions typically offer real-time threat detection, malware removal, firewall protection, and centralized management, ensuring that businesses can safeguard their sensitive data, prevent unauthorized access, and mitigate the risk of cyberattacks across their networked devices.
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Microsoft Defender is working to protect your Windows 10 PC by scanning for malicious software. Microsoft Defender uses real-time protection to scan everything you download or run on your PC. It will turn itself off if you install another antivirus app.
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Award-winning antivirus and security software from Bitdefender. Get the best real-time security for your PC, Mac and mobile devices. Effectiveness against malware and enterprise focus.
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Kaspersky is Russian antivirus that gives customers the power to protect what matters most to them online. It creates effective digital security solutions for users worldwide, providing protection for over 400 million people and 270,000 businesses.
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McAfee is owned by Intel. Delivering proactive and proven security solutions and services that help secure systems and networks around the world, Intel Security protects consumers and businesses of all sizes from the latest malware and emerging online threats. Our solutions are designed to work together, integrating anti-malware, antispyware, and antivirus software with security management features that deliver unsurpassed real-time visibility and analytics, reduce risk, ensure compliance, improve Internet security, and help businesses achieve operational efficiencies.
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In order to better protect you, we have substantially enhanced our security services. We took everything you loved about Norton AntiVirus and added better protection, improved performance and superior design to create Norton Security Deluxe. It’s the best of Norton for your PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets.
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Be prepared for whatever comes your way with the most trusted security in the world. Available for everyone, for free. Protect your devices with the best free antivirus on the market. Download Avast antivirus and anti-spyware protection for your PC, Mac and Android.
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Traditional antivirus fails because it’s slow to react to new threats. Malwarebytes uses layers of technology like anomaly detection (a cool sort of artificial intelligence), behavior matching, and application hardening to crush malware that hasn’t even been seen before.
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Webroot delivers next-generation endpoint security and threat intelligence services to protect businesses and individuals in a connected world.
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Advanced protection for you and your privacy. We give you improvements and new features automatically. Instead of making you wait for a single big-bang release each year, we now push updates to you automatically. That’s also why we’ve dropped the year from our product names, because as long as you’re subscribed to AVG, your security is always up-to-date. And new features? You’ll automatically get those whenever available, too.
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Avira Free Antivirus is an award-winning product that provides comprehensive protection against all types of threats, secures your data, protects your privacy and ensures your PC remains virus-free.
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Fast, powerful antivirus for Windows. Protects against hackers, malware and data theft without slowing you down.
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Indian award-winning antivirus for PC, Laptops, Mac, and Windows empowers people to live a secure digital life and browse the web confidently. More than security, peace of mind matters, and our advanced protection offers the toughest defense against viruses, ransomware, malware, Wi-Fi vulnerabilities, and more. Keeping millions of people safe & secure around the world, our all-in-one protection will make your family's digital life easy.
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Chinese antivirus. 360 Total Security is a leader in Cybersecurity software. With a billion active internet users, 360 has earned a strong reputation for excellence.
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The best antivirus program for all your devices. Protect your computer, tablet, smartphone and Mac against all types of viruses, malware and spyware.
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Net Protector defends your Office Network from all viruses, worm and spyware attacks and keeps your business lifeline, Network and PCs, running smoothly and securely.
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Indian antivirus. Protect your devices with essential digital security features. Block, detect and eliminate cyber threats in real-time. Get award-winning protection with no impact on device performance. Smart Firewall, Intrusion Detection & Protection stop hackers

Latest news about Antivirus (Endpoint protection) software for business


2022. Malwarebytes lands a $100M cash injection weeks after laying off 125 employees



Cybersecurity leader Malwarebytes has recently disclosed a $100 million cash infusion following the reduction of 125 employees. Malwarebytes' CEO, Marcin Kleczynski, emphasizes the company's renewed focus on delivering effective and user-friendly cybersecurity solutions to underserved customers, where it excels compared to competitors. This investment will empower Malwarebytes to enhance its team, drive product innovation, and expand its MSP partner and international channel programs, enabling the company to better serve existing and future customers.


2021. Microsoft launches Defender for Business



Microsoft has unveiled Microsoft Defender for Business, an innovative and affordable endpoint security solution designed specifically to cater to businesses employing up to 300 individuals. This new offering from Microsoft enhances security measures beyond traditional antivirus systems by providing next-generation protection, endpoint detection and response capabilities, threat and vulnerability management, and more. With simplified configuration and management, along with intelligent and automated investigation and remediation, Defender for Business ensures robust security. It safeguards against a range of cybersecurity threats, including malware and ransomware, across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Available as a standalone solution, it can be obtained for a cost of $3 per user per month.




2021. Investor consortium to acquire McAfee for $14B



In a fascinating development, cybersecurity software company McAfee has taken a new turn as an investor consortium comprising six investment firms has announced its acquisition of the company for a staggering $14 billion. Each member of the investor group will contribute financial and operational resources, although the exact details of how this collaboration will unfold remain somewhat unclear. With multiple companies involved, McAfee will undoubtedly have to navigate through a complex managerial landscape. It is noteworthy that the deal includes a "go shop" provision, a common practice that grants McAfee a 45-day period to explore potential alternatives and potentially secure a better offer. While the likelihood of a superior proposal is minimal, this provision assures shareholders that the company has pursued the best possible deal on their behalf.


2021. NortonLifeLock and Avast merge in $8.1B deal



U.S. cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock has recently completed the acquisition of its Czech counterpart, Avast, for a substantial sum of $8.1 billion. This strategic move aims to establish a global powerhouse in consumer security. NortonLifeLock, which emerged as an independent entity from Symantec in 2019, anticipates that the merger will result in an industry-leading consumer cyber safety business, significantly expanding its user base through Avast's impressive customer count of 435 million. With its establishment in 1988, Avast has built a strong reputation in providing cybersecurity software tailored for consumers, small businesses, and medium-sized enterprises, positioning itself as one of the largest security companies in the market. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that Avast has faced some controversy over its nearly 25-year history.


2021. McAfee sells its enterprise business



Security company McAfee has announced the sale of its enterprise business to a consortium led by private equity firm Symphony Technology Group for a staggering $4 billion. This strategic move aligns nicely with the acquisition of RSA, another enterprise-focused security company, which the private equity firm bought for $2 billion in February last year. McAfee's President and CEO, Peter Leav, explains that the company has made the decision to shift its focus and allocate resources towards the consumer side of the business.


2020. Norton acquires Avira for $360M



NortonLifeLock has recently announced its acquisition of the German security firm Avira in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $360 million. NortonLifeLock emerged as an independent company just last year when Broadcom acquired Symantec's enterprise security business for nearly $11 billion. Today, NortonLifeLock is a publicly traded company with a market capitalization of around $11.5 billion. Prior to the acquisition, Avira operated as a bootstrapped tech business, primarily focusing on security software for consumers. Similar to Norton, Avira offers anti-virus software among its product portfolio. Avira boasts a substantial customer base, with millions of users and approximately 30 million secured devices, including 1.5 million paying customers. Avira's successful business model revolves around a freemium approach, which Norton intends to preserve moving forward.


2020. AI-based endpoint security solution SentinelOne gets $267M



The machine learning-based solution Singularity, developed by SentinelOne, has successfully secured $267 million in funding. SentinelOne stands out by providing comprehensive network protection that spans across various endpoints, including laptops, phones, containerized applications, and other connected devices and services. While facing competition from prominent players such as Microsoft, CrowdStrike, Kaspersky, McAfee, and Symantec, SentinelOne has established itself as a formidable contender in the market. Leveraging the advancements in artificial intelligence and drawing on its roots in the Israeli cyberintelligence community, the platform's core principle revolves around automated operations. It not only detects endpoints and their vulnerabilities but also applies behavioral models, multiple modes of protection, and integrated detection and response mechanisms, all in a unified approach.


2020. German security firm Avira has been acquired by Investcorp



Avira, a cybersecurity company based in Germany specializing in antivirus, identity management, and other related tools for both consumers and as a white-label solution offered by several prominent tech brands, has been acquired by Investcorp Technology Partners, the private equity division of Investcorp Bank. Investcorp aims to support Avira in its strategic plan of expanding through acquisitions as part of a broader security consolidation strategy. The objective is to facilitate the growth of Avira's product portfolio and, more importantly, its global presence. Currently, Avira operates in Asia, Europe, and to a lesser extent in the US, while Investcorp's extensive business network extends into the Middle East, providing opportunities for further geographical expansion.


2020. SentinelOne raises $200M for its AI-based endpoint security platform



SentinelOne, a provider of machine learning-based solutions for monitoring and securing various devices and services connected to a network, has recently secured $200 million in funding. In today's landscape, the proliferation of devices and the expansion of networks pose significant challenges in terms of monitoring network activity and identifying potential threats. This is where AI-based solutions like SentinelOne's play a crucial role. The company, headquartered in Mountain View but with roots in the Israeli cyberintelligence community, offers the Singularity Platform, a comprehensive product that combines automated endpoint detection, vulnerability assessment, behavioral modeling, and multiple modes of protection, detection, and response. This platform covers the entire network edge, addressing the evolving security needs. While SentinelOne operates in the endpoint protection space, it competes with other notable players such as Microsoft, CrowdStrike, Kaspersky, McAfee, Symantec, and many more.


2019. Microsoft Defender comes to Mac



Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) will be available for Mac as well. Previously, it served as a Windows solution designed to safeguard the machines of Microsoft 365 subscribers and the assets managed by IT administrators. Formerly known as Windows Defender ATP, Microsoft has decided to drop the "Windows Defender" name since it is now accessible on Mac. Many enterprises utilize a combination of Windows and Mac machines and already equip their employees with Office. By having a security solution that covers both systems, IT departments can significantly simplify their operations, as managing security vulnerabilities on a single system is challenging enough as it is.


2017. Kaspersky Lab released free antivirus



Kaspersky Lab has recently introduced a free version of its antivirus software in the U.S., with plans to expand its availability globally within the next four months. Known as Kaspersky Free, this offering provides essential core features, such as email and desktop antivirus protection, the ability to quarantine infected files, and automated updates. However, the free version does not include certain premium features available for purchase at $50 per device annually. These features encompass a virtual private network (VPN), parental controls, and additional protection for online financial transactions. Kaspersky emphasizes that its free software option is designed to be light on advertisements. Nevertheless, it is important to note that users may indirectly compensate for the uncluttered interface by providing user data to Kaspersky.


2016. Avast Antivirus acquired competitor AVG



Avast, one of the most popular antivirus applications, has announced its acquisition of AVG Technologies, one of its major competitors, for a cash sum of $1.3 billion. This strategic move will provide Avast with access to a vast user base of over 400 million devices currently employing Avast or AVG's software solutions. Among these users are 250 million PC and Mac users, as well as 160 million mobile users. While the acquisition process will take a few months to complete, users can anticipate enhancements in threat detection efficiency in the near future. Avast will have the opportunity to gather more comprehensive threat data, thereby enhancing user protection across PC, Mac, mobile, and even extending its reach to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Additionally, Avast will gain access to AVG's Zen mobile technology, which enables the protection of an entire family's devices from a single primary device. This collaboration will also enable the improvement of technical support for business users.


2016. Microsoft released Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection


WDATP is a cloud service offered by Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus in Windows. Currently, Windows Defender primarily focuses on scanning websites and downloads to prevent hacking attempts. However, in the era of social engineering and spear-phishing, antivirus software needs to adopt a more proactive approach. Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (WDATP) aims to address this by shifting its attention from monitoring individual files to observing the overall behavior of a machine. Instead of simply searching for specific viruses, WDATP keeps a close watch on symptoms that indicate potential threats. For instance, if a machine starts establishing connections with unusual ports or executing uncommon PowerShell commands—behavior that deviates from the norm for most users—WDAPT alerts administrators. It provides them with an overview of both current and historical machine behavior for further analysis. Moreover, Microsoft is capitalizing on the extensive Windows user base to jumpstart its antivirus program. By analyzing millions of suspicious files from machines worldwide in the cloud, a vast centralized database is being constructed, encompassing not only malicious files but also malicious behavior.

Editor: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com