Business' usually have Servers, but in a small busines environment, this is not always possible, so I have compiled this list for you all. Remember, you get what you pay for. Whilst protecting you for personal use, remember that most of you run a business, and you really need maximum protection. Some of these products will help to keep you protected, though I would advise budgeting for paid software. I have also added a quick test for you below. This will test your current Antivirus to see if its any good.
AntiVirus
Microsoft Malware Essentials - I know a lot of people knock Microsoft, but the truth is they have 90% of the business market and whilst you see people moaning about the differences between PCs and Mac's, someone is hacking into your computer or your getting a Virus.
Microsoft Security Essentials is actually very good and will keep you pretty well protected. I would suggest having this installed with another Anti-Virus product to ensure multi protection.
Download here: http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/
AVG Free - AVG is one of the longest running free anti-virus products out there. The free version will keep you safe to a certan extent, but its not as powerful as its bigger paid for brother.
Download here: http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition
Firewall
Comodo Firewall - Comodo firewall will keep you protected from intrusions. This shouls be used in conjunction with an Anti-Virus program.
Download Here: http://www.comodo.com/home/download/download.php?prod=firewall
Windows Firewall - If you use Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, your computer will come with this firewall built in. Its really your chioce if you want to use a 3rd party product.
Anti-Spyware
IObit Security 360 - A relative newcomer to the Malware scene, but remarkably powerful and Free. Again, should be used with Antivirus and Firewall.
Download Here: http://www.iobit.com/security360.html
A-Squared - A long time runner in the Spyware/Malware game. Offers great protection against Spyware, Malware and Adware. They also have a paid version.
Download Here: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
Encryption
Encryption is very important to protect you and your business. If you keep confidential files, records, company data of any kind, it really should be kept safe.
TrueCrypt - This program is powerful. You can encrypt a whole drive, a folder or a single file. Its also portable, which means you can carry it around on removable drives like External Hard Disks USB Sticks or Memory Cards. It also used 256-AES Encryption which in conjunction with a long password would take the most seasoned Hacker/Cracker many years to decrypt.
Download Here: http://www.truecrypt.org/
EFS Encryption - This comes built in with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 (and Windows Servers). If you use this method, I would suggest packing up your encryption key before using. Fore more information on using this, let me know and I will write a post about it.
More Info: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316
Bitlocker & Bitlocker To Go - Bitlocker is available from Windows Vista onwards, including Windows 7 But only on the Enterprise and Ultimate Versions. Bitlocker to Go is only available on Windows 7, but is compatible with Windows XP upwards. Again, if you need more info on this, please Ask.
More info: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/bitlocker.aspx
PGP: Pretty Good Privacy - A paid product but is the best. You may here people talking about PGP Signed files or Emails - This serves 2 purposes.
1. To prove that the email has been send by the original sender and not from a spam or phishing attack
2. It will inform you if an email or file has been tampered with.
This gives you great protection for your files and Emails.
PGP is nor free, BUT there is an Open Source version available for free.
Download Here: http://www.pgpi.org/products/pgp/versions/freeware/
Full paid for PGP is available here: http://www.pgp.com
Lastly, my choice for a full protection Suite.
Eset Smart Security - This software comes with Anti-Virus, Firewall, AntiSpam, and Malware protection as well as a wealth of tools to keep an eye on your system. It comes as a Home or Business version and is very light on System Resources, so it will not slow your computer down.
For more info and a 30 day Trial, go here: http://www.eset.com/smartsecurity/.
They also have other versions of the software like a Stand-a-lone Antivirus that is great for business and will always keep you protected.
I hope all of this info will help you. If you need more info or any help, please let me know. Please also remember that this is a list for software that you can use in your business. It doesn't mean you cannot use them at home too. The choices here have all won awards for the products and have been tried and tested by leading experts.
How to test your Antivirus
You could try to test your anti-virus program against the EICAR (European Expert Group for IT-Security) test file to see if it reacts the way it should. All you need to do is create the test file (for Microsoft Windows) and scan it with your virus scanner. If the scanner detects something it is working as intended, if it does not you should consider changing immediately to a more reliable one.
Creating the file is pretty simple. Just create a new text file and paste the following line of code into it:
- Code: Select all
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
Save the file and rename it to test.com. When executed it displays the message EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE.
No harm will be done to your system if you accidentally execute the file. To test your virus scanner right-click the file and select to test (scan) it with your software.
You could also pack it and test it or send it to your email account to test the interaction between virus scanner and email client. After the test finishes you do know if your virus scanner is working as intended and able to detect viruses on your system. This does not necessarily mean that it will detect every virus that exists but it means that it is working. This test was used from my forum.
