Why Businesses Need Specialized Security Solutions Over Antivirus Software

The Increasing Complexity of Cyberattacks 

Cybersecurity threats against small to medium-sized businesses have been steadily increasing in recent years. According to Astra, small businesses account for 43% of cyber-attacks every year and only 14% of these businesses are prepared for an attack. However, all businesses should ensure that they are protected and ready to defend against potential attacks. Some businesses solely use antivirus software, but that is just the start of the protections needed. Businesses of any size must adopt more advanced cybersecurity solutions due to the ever-evolving threat landscape.  

Small to medium-sized businesses require tailor-made security solutions from an experienced cybersecurity company. They need protection from more than the average virus. According to StrongDM, 37% of companies hit by ransomware had fewer than 100 employees and ransomware is one of those most common types of attacks. While basic antivirus software offers some protection, there are other threats and issues out there that only advanced security services can resolve. Although it is important to know what antivirus software does and how it can supplement additional cybersecurity solutions. 

What is Antivirus Software? 

Antivirus software is used to detect, prevent, and remove malware from devices such as computers, tablets, phones, and other types of technology. In order to detect malware, antivirus software will scan existing files, monitor system behavior, and quarantine suspicious files. If anything suspicious is detected, antivirus software will begin to remove the malware.  

This type of protection is great for basic protection and common viruses and malware. Basic antivirus software detects malware in two main ways: 

• Signature-based detection works by quickly identifying patterns in devices’ network traffic that read as malicious activity or unauthorized access via malware. 

• Heuristic-based detection looks and identifies malware based on its functions. This type of detection can detect unnoticed malware automatically.  

Antivirus software can often use both methods for malware detection. However, this is still not enough to monitor all the devices businesses require for operation. Just as cyberattacks are evolving, so are businesses. The way businesses operate has changed in recent years, relying more on technology than ever before.  

Why Small Businesses Need Specialized Security Solutions 

Over the next five years, there is projected to be a 15% increase in cybercrime and the costs that come with it, so you must ensure your small business is protected. While antivirus software is great at protecting individual devices, small businesses need more to protect all the devices used during operations. Most small to medium-sized businesses require additional cybersecurity services to successfully protect their network. This is where the utilization of external professional cybersecurity services. 

Tailored solutions from cybersecurity professionals help to protect entire networks, including multiple devices, servers, and endpoints. These solutions also help to protect against more advanced threats than basic antivirus software can handle. These types of threats include ransomware, phishing attacks, and data breaches.  

Even small businesses can handle sensitive data belonging to customers, employees, vendors, and more. All of this private data makes small businesses prime targets for cyber criminals. Basic antivirus software cannot protect against threats across vast networks and multiple devices.  

Key Differences Between Home Antivirus and Business Security Solutions 

There are several key differences between home antivirus and tailored business cybersecurity solutions all business owners should be aware of:

Data Protection 

Business solutions offer stronger data protection capabilities, safeguarding sensitive company and customer information. With solid data protection from cybersecurity professionals, your business can aviod a leak and mass financial losses. Antivirus software is limited to certain protections and devices. 

Centralized Management 

A centralized management and an extensive protection plan allow IT and cybersecurity teams to manage security for all devices from a single dashboard.  With a dedicated team managing your devices and networks, it is easier to monitor and respond to any potential threats. 

Scalability 

Business solutions grow with the company, protecting new devices and systems as the business expands. Antivirus software does not expand to protect new devices and systems, it is used to protect single devices and additional purchases of the software will have to be made to expand protection. 

Additional Features 

There are some other additional features that a specialized cybersecurity solutions offers that a simple antivirus software often cannot: 

Data encryption: Ensures sensitive information is secure, even if accessed by unauthorized users. This helps to slow down a cyberattack and prevent further damage. 

Cloud protection: Protects data stored in cloud environments, which is increasingly common in small businesses. Cloud protection is essential for any business that relies on this type of storage. 

Internet protection: An additional layer that helps protect businesses from internet-based threats. By filtering and blocking malicious websites, DNS requests, and other online attacks, internet protection helps to prevent malware infections, data breaches, and productivity losses.  

Dark web monitoring: Alerts businesses if their sensitive data appears on dark websites. Credentials such as emails, passwords, names, and other private information can show up on illicit websites.  A special cybersecurity plan can help to detect and prevent information leakage to the dark web. 

Email security: Protects against phishing and malicious attachments, a major source of cyberattacks. Cybersecurity companies often offer employee training to help prevent these types of malicious attacks.  

Phishing simulations: Cybersecurity companies can help businesses better protect themselves from hackers by helping employees identify and train to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. By exposing employees to realistic phishing attempts in a controlled environment, organizations can assess their employees’ vulnerability to social engineering tactics. 

Security and Awareness Training:  According to IBM’s 2023 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, 95% of data breaches can be attributed to human mistakes, such as clicking on a phishing link, reusing weak passwords, or accidentally sharing sensitive information. Security and Awareness Training helps businesses educate employees on best practices for preventing and responding to cyber-attacks. By educating employees on common threats, social engineering techniques, and secure password management, among other topics, businesses can reduce the chances of a cyber-attack impacting their business. 

Why a Layered Approach is Essential for Small to Medium-Sized Businesses 

On average, small to medium-sized businesses can spend anywhere from $800 to about $650,000 to deal with the repercussions of a cyberattack. Some small businesses cannot afford to fix the issue once it has happened. The best hacking protection for small businesses involves a multi-layer approach due to the growing complexity of threats modern businesses face. Business cybersecurity solutions go far beyond simple antivirus software.  

Your business must be prepared to detect and defend from various potential attacks from cybercriminals. Every business, big or small, has unique cybersecurity needs, and there are cybersecurity professionals out there who can help. Contact Castile Security today to help you with all your business cybersecurity needs!