Which Antivirus to choose? Tips & Tricks

The news is full of them: mailbox hacking, Trojans, phishing... But which antivirus software should you choose? Equipping your PC with antivirus software is crucial. So it's legitimate to ask which antivirus you should choose to protect your PC. On a corporate scale, even for very small businesses (VSEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the stakes are all the higher. We'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to compare antivirus products using our search engine...
SUMMARY
Protecting your small business
Risk awareness
The risk associated with a breach of an IT system is so high that it is rarely supplied at its true value. Whether it's data specific to your business, which would be dramatically leaked to the competition, or customer data, to which you are bound by a duty of confidentiality, the damaging consequences for your competitiveness and image can be immense. Not to mention operational setbacks, with temporary interruptions to access to tools and loss of data.
Built-in protection
Computer hardware and tools often have built-in security features. Web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome...) include anti-phishing functionality. Messaging systems have spam filters. Operating systems contain a firewall (Windows defender antivirus ). And Internet service providers offer parental controls.
Security essentials
In addition to these layers of protection, it is recommended to equip every computer with an antivirus and a firewall. The firewall is used to control data exchanges between the computer and the network, and the antivirus to identify malicious code attempting to reach the hard disk.
Which antivirus to choose? And how?
Download a free antivirus
Many antivirus programs are available for free download. All you have to do is run the installation file. They will then be continuously active on your computer, protecting you as you browse the web, check your e-mails, download attachments and so on.
Scan your computer
If you didn't have one, or if you have any doubts about the effectiveness of your previous solution, run a scan. Online antivirus programs all come with a scan function. This starts a complete or partial analysis of your terminal. You will then receive a report. Cybersecurity vendors such as Bitdefender, Kaspersky, eset, McAfee and Symantec's Norton all offer free scans. Some offer simple, total or partial detection. Others offer disinfection of your device.
No overlay
Out of overzealousness, you might think it's a good idea to superimpose layers of protection. Not a good idea. Firstly, because the accumulation of layers doesn't add up to anything. Secondly, their multiplication increases the amount of storage space and memory required, slowing down the entire operating system.
Criteria on which to base your decision
Depending on your computer
Installing an anti-virus requires a minimum of power. For low-capacity devices, the program risks compromising the fluidity and operation of all other applications. And that's even when you're only installing one. Avast, for example, which is widely used, requires a lot of power.
The user-friendly aspect
Let's not forget that you use this tool on a daily basis. So you don't want to upset your environment by making changes that will be inconvenient for you in the long run. Some antivirus programs are intrusive. They may want to inform you of the slightest detail at the earliest opportunity. In the form of pop-ups, this can divert your attention. Use the trial versions to find out before you make your final decision.
The problem of fake viruses
Being warned of real threats is all very well. If, on the other hand, it's unjustified, it's a real pain. Some programs are suspected of blocking fake viruses, as in the case of AVG, acquired by Avast, which is suspected of such practices.
Features
To choose your online antivirus, compare its features: does it have a firewall? Parental control? Is it possible to test an isolated file? Or a site itself? Depending on your needs, choose the solution that seems most accessible to you. After all, it's ergonomics and ease of use that will encourage you and your colleagues to adopt the right reflexes.
Today, under Windows, Android and even OS environments, cyber threats are real. For your business, large or small, an antivirus is a must. You don't need to spend a lot of money on it - many of them are free. It's up to you to identify the one best suited to your needs, and install it across your entire IT estate.
Article translated from French