With businesses increasingly shifting operations online it’s no wonder that cyber-attacks on companies are increasing as criminals try to cash in. According to statistics from the UK government, two-thirds of large organisations have experienced cyber-attacks in the past year.

The impact these breaches have on businesses is nothing less than catastrophic. Not only do firms risk losing vital data and information to cybercriminals, but attacks can also result in them losing a lot of money. In fact, a study conducted in 2016 by internet service provider Beaming claimed that breaches cost UK companies a total of £34 billion (around $42 billion, AU$56 billion) annually.

The most common attacks on companies are malware and spyware-related, and falling victim to any such breach could have a worryingly long-term impact on your business, particularly when it comes to your reputation.

Fortunately, you can defend against any bad outcomes by picking up the right security tools, which is why we’ve highlighted these anti-spyware and anti-malware solutions for businesses. Getting your SMB protected with a solid security solution is a very smart move.

1. Avast Endpoint Protection

Platforms: Windows | Threats covered: Antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware | Users/nodes: 1-100 | Free trial: 30-days

Quality protection

Useful silent mode

Selection of offerings may confuse some

Only protects PCs

Avast produces some of the most popular antivirus and anti-malware software packages out there, and it also has a solution for business users. Endpoint Protection is a program that’s not only easy to use, but also a proven contender in the enterprise cybersecurity arena.

The software will protect your company from a diverse range of malware and phishing attacks. It constantly searches for suspicious files that could render your business systems and servers useless, and runs a boot-time scan every time your computers load up to find any deeply buried malware.

As well as looking out for common viruses, Avast can also run potentially risky apps without causing any harm to your computer. There’s even a handy silent mode which lets you and your employees focus on important work while security processes run in the background.

2. Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux | Threats covered: Antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware | Users/nodes: 3-50 | Free trial: 30 days

Great at defending against fresh threats

Bolstered by AI and machine learning

Mobile devices aren’t catered for

There are more affordable options

Bitdefender is another big name in security products, and its GravityZone Business Security package is an excellent option for companies. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux devices, it gives you the tools you need to protect your firm from complex online threats, and it won’t slow your systems down.

The system has been built to detect and fight a range of malware, ransomware and zero-day threats that are often missed by traditional security products. It sports two anti-ransomware layers capable of blacklisting millions of risk sources and a so-called vaccine that ensures all data is encrypted, regardless of the device or platform. 

This offering also boasts an advanced threat control feature, which constantly runs and keeps an eye out for any hint of malicious behaviour or potential hacking. AI and machine learning are also thrown into the mix to get better detection rates, and also to minimise any annoying false positives.

3. Trend Micro Business Security

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Mobile | Threats covered: Antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-spam, social media privacy protection | Users/nodes: Varies | Free trial: 30 days

Comprehensive protection

Support for a variety of platforms

UI isn’t the best

If you use a variety of different devices and platforms in your business, then Trend Micro Business Security is a good option. The solution provides comprehensive enterprise protection for Windows, Mac, mobile devices and servers.

With the software, you have a way to keep your business protected from data loss, viruses and ransomware. It constantly searches files for signs of malware, viruses, trojans, worms and spyware, and prevents employees from accessing malicious content online. 

There are some handy tools for managing data, too. The system can limit the access of USB sticks and other portable devices to ensure vital data isn’t in danger of being compromised, and it can also prevent emails carrying sensitive information from being sent out accidentally (or indeed deliberately). There are comprehensive anti-spam capabilities, to boot.

4. Norton Small Business

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Threats covered: Antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware | Users/nodes: 5-20 | Free trial: No

Easy to set up

Cloud-based device management

Cloud won’t be for everyone

Norton is a well-known security brand, and its Small Business product is available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices, aiming to protect business assets across the board.

The system is constantly alert and ready to flag potential security threats, even if you’re not in the office. Custom-built for every device, it ensures that your computers are protected from malware, viruses and identity theft, while your smartphones and tablets aren’t exposed to the potential loss of customer information.

Norton Small Business is relatively easy and quick to set up on your devices, and because it’s a cloud-based system, you won’t need any software installed at your office. You can cover all your employees by sending them an email that contains step-to-step instructions. There’s the ability to add/remove and manage as many devices as you want, and you get access to 24/7 support from a team of Norton experts.

5. Sophos Endpoint Protection

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | Threats covered: Antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware | Users/nodes: Varies | Free trial: 30-days

Impressive malware detection capabilities

Option of a free trial

Prices aren’t transparent

May not be suitable for smaller firms

Sophos Endpoint Protection is one of the more powerful options for businesses of all sizes. Designed for use on-premise or in the cloud, the system offers a next-generation security engine that uses behavioural detection to look for and stop threats from flash drives, emails, websites – a whole gamut of threats. And its malware detection rates are impressive to say the least.

As well as protecting your business from typical security threats such as viruses and malware, Sophos also encrypts your data, and boasts some interesting extras such as data loss prevention facilities which can be fully customised. We all know how precious that company data is, so it’s good to see this sort of security on board.

It’s also worth noting that there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can try the system out for yourself before you commit.