In this post, you will discover what we mean by Standard and Enterprise Antivirus Software. We will refer to these as SAV and EAV for brevity, respectively. We will also explain why EAV is so much better than SAV for many companies. We sincerely hope we get this message across because we believe it would considerably improve your online safety. The safer the online world, the better it is for all of us.

 

So, let’s begin. First of all, what is SAV?

 

SAV typically refers to programs designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software from computer systems, such as Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, and other types of Malware. You will undoubtedly have heard of some of the well-known versions of SAV, which include:

  • Norton Antivirus, which was developed by Norton LifeLock (formerly Symantec), offers real-time protection against multiple types of malware threats
  • McAfee Antivirus protects against viruses, spyware, and other online threats.
  • Avast Antivirus provides real-time protection, firewall, and email scanning.
  • AVG Antivirus, also from Avast Software, provides essential antivirus protection, email protection, file shredding, and other features.

These are just a few examples of popular SAV solutions – many more are available in the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities.

Note that the cyberthreat landscape is constantly evolving, so if you rely on SAV to keep safe, it is vital to update the software regularly to ensure it can effectively detect and remove the latest threats.

 

So, now that’s clear, what is EAV?

 

EAV software is specifically designed to meet the security needs of Organisations, and institutions. Unlike SAV, which is typically designed for individual users, EAV solutions are scalable, centrally managed, and offer advanced features tailored to the complexities of all types of network infrastructures. Some key characteristics and features of Enterprise Antivirus software include:

  • Centralised management – EAV solutions enable administrators to centrally manage security policies, updates, and configurations across all endpoints within an Organisations network. This feature considerably simplifies deployment, monitoring, and other maintenance tasks.
  • Scalability – EAV is typically designed to protect many, possibly hundreds or thousands of endpoints within a corporate network. Thus, it is scalable to meet the needs of a growing Organisations with diverse IT infrastructures.
  • Advanced Threat Detection capabilities, such as Behaviour-based Analysis, Machine Learning, and Heuristic Scanning, are usually incorporated to detect and prevent sophisticated Malware threats, including zero-day exploits and targeted attacks.
  • Endpoint protection includes Firewalls, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Device control, Data Loss Prevention, and Endpoint Encryption.
  • EAV software is designed to integrate seamlessly with other security solutions, such as SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems, Threat Intelligence platforms, Network Security appliances, and Identity and Access Management solutions, thus providing a layered cyber-threat defence system.

 

But why do I need EAV? My Organisation isn’t enormous, so won’t SAV suffice?

 

Even if your Organisation isn’t large, there are compelling reasons to consider EAV solutions. While SAV may suffice for smaller Organisations, EAV offers several advantages that can benefit Organisations of any size.

Firstly, EAV’s centralised management capabilities allow you to easily oversee security across all your Organisation’s endpoints from a single interface, which saves time, even for smaller IT teams. EAV’s advanced threat detection capabilities can detect and mitigate highly sophisticated malware threats that SAV software may miss.

In addition, EAV provides comprehensive endpoint protection beyond SAV features. EAV is a far more robust solution to protect you against security threats. It also includes Compliance Monitoring, Auditing, and Reporting features, helping your Organisation adhere to industry standards and regulations.

As your Organisation grows, an EAV solution can scale seamlessly to accommodate increasing numbers of endpoints. It also prepares your Organisation for future expansion and evolving security needs, ensuring that your Cybersecurity infrastructure remains effective and adaptable.

 

But won’t it cost a lot more?

 

Yes, it will cost your Organisation a little more to some extent. Generally, EAV solutions tend to be more expensive than SAV software, which is unsurprising considering their advanced features, scalability, and centralised management capabilities. However, the actual cost difference can vary significantly based on your Organisation’s unique requirements and the pricing models offered by different vendors.

 

Where do I go from here?

 

If you would like to learn more about Enterprise Antivirus and its benefits, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Roundhouse Cyber.