Internet Security is Evolving

Cybersecurity has changed drastically over the last decade, and antivirus software has evolved with it. For years, we only worried about viruses when something odd happened to our computers. The typical solution was to download a free antivirus program, run a scan, clean the system, and uninstall the software.

This reactive approach worked when computers were a small part of our lives. But today, our devices are integral to everything we do. From online banking to storing credit card information, and even linking our security systems to smartphones—our lives have become more connected. Unfortunately, hackers are also aware of these vulnerabilities.

Why Traditional Antivirus is No Longer Enough

Traditional antivirus programs focus on reacting after a virus has been detected, often missing more complex and sophisticated threats. They rely on virus databases that can become outdated, and manual scans can only catch known threats. Plus, they don’t address many other risks like unpatched software vulnerabilities.

In today’s world, sticking to these old systems leaves you exposed. That’s why modern solutions like Managed Antivirus are now critical for any business.

The Key Benefits of Managed Antivirus

Managed Antivirus goes beyond just catching viruses. It’s a comprehensive system designed to lower costs, improve efficiency, and give you peace of mind. Here’s how:

1. Lower IT Costs: Managed Antivirus reduces the need for manual intervention from your IT department or Managed Service Provider (MSP). With cloud-based updates and monitoring, your systems stay protected without the constant need for on-site support. This reduces downtime and eliminates the high costs of having IT staff perform updates manually.
2. Improved Efficiency: With Managed Antivirus, software updates and security patches are automated and pushed out across your network with just a few clicks. This prevents the delays that often occur when each computer must be updated individually, saving you both time and money.
3. Peace of Mind: Managed Antivirus constantly monitors your systems for threats, using tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to detect suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. This proactive protection ensures that your devices are up to date and your security is always one step ahead of potential hackers.

Modern Antivirus Solutions Provide More Than Just Virus Protection

Here’s a look at the extra layers of security that modern antivirus systems bring to the table:

1. Centralized Management and Monitoring: Your MSP can manage your entire fleet of devices from a single dashboard, ensuring all systems are secure. With over 150 data points per device, vulnerabilities like weak passwords or unauthorized software can be identified and fixed quickly.
2. Protection Across All Attack Points: Modern antivirus tools protect your computer in multiple directions and against many different threats. It can scan web traffic, email and downloads, and even USB devices. You can even customize these tools to disable USB ports on computers that don’t need them.
3. Automated Software Patching: Unpatched software is one of the biggest security risks businesses faces. Managed Antivirus manages the patching process, ensuring all devices stay up to date without requiring IT staff to manually check and update each one. This is a major time-saver and keeps your business running smoothly.
4. Safe Browsing: Managed Antivirus offers customizable internet browsing rules, allowing you to block dangerous websites and control what types of sites employees can access. It also offers features like Connection Control, which locks down sensitive data (like banking or payroll info) to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Proactive Threat Detection: Advanced tools like EDR continuously monitor your systems for abnormal activity, stopping potential threats before they can cause damage. For example, if a program tries to run from an unauthorized location or performs sensitive tasks without permission, your IT administrator can step in to investigate.
6. And Much More: If you want to learn more about the full suite of security that can be offered, such as Ransomware Protection and Rollback, and Exposure Management across your entire network, Let us know and we’d love to chat.

Next Steps: Protect Your Business Today

Modern antivirus solutions, like those provided by WithSecure, offer far more than just basic virus protection. They give you complete control over your business’s security while reducing costs, improving efficiency, and keeping your systems safe.

If you’d like to learn more about how Managed Antivirus can protect your business, we’d be happy to help. Schedule a consultation or request an audit of your current security system to see where improvements can be made.