As a business owner, you may be tempted to cut corners and save money by opting for free antivirus software to protect your company's computers and networks. However, while free antivirus software can provide a basic level of protection, it may not be sufficient to safeguard your business from the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats. In this article, we will explore why relying solely on free antivirus software is inadequate and what steps you can take to enhance your business's cybersecurity.

Did you know that 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses? Don't let your business become a statistic. Keep reading to learn why free antivirus software isn't enough to protect your company.

Antivirus software is a crucial component of any business's cybersecurity strategy. It helps protect your computers and networks from viruses, malware, and other malicious software that can compromise your data and systems. However, not all antivirus software is created equal. Free antivirus software may seem like an attractive option, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. However, it has its limitations.

Why free antivirus software is inadequate for businesses

While free antivirus software may seem like a cost-effective option, it can be limited in its ability to keep up with the latest threats. Cybercriminals are continually developing new techniques to target businesses, and free antivirus software may not be equipped to detect or prevent these emerging threats. Additionally, free antivirus software may not offer the same level of support as paid solutions, leaving you without adequate assistance if you run into issues.

The risks of relying solely on free antivirus software

The risks of relying solely on free antivirus software are significant. Your business could be vulnerable to data breaches, malware infections, phishing scams, and zero-day attacks. These threats could result in serious damage to your business operations, finances, and reputation. Here are just a few of the risks:

1. Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to your company's sensitive data, such as financial records and customer information, and use it for nefarious purposes, such as identity theft or ransomware attacks.
   
2. Malware infections: Malware can infect your computers and networks, causing damage to your systems and disrupting your business operations.
   
3. Phishing scams: Cybercriminals can use phishing scams to trick your employees into divulging sensitive information or downloading malware onto your systems.
   
4. Zero-day attacks: Zero-day attacks are a type of cyber attack that exploits vulnerabilities in software before they are discovered and patched. Free antivirus software may not be able to detect and prevent these types of attacks.

Steps to improve your business's cybersecurity

To improve your business's cybersecurity, you need to take a multi-layered approach. Investing in paid antivirus software can provide better protection and support. Look for a solution that includes features such as real-time scanning, automatic updates, and a team of cybersecurity experts to help you if needed. Educating your employees on how to recognize and avoid common phishing scams, using strong passwords, and keeping software up to date is essential. Implementing a firewall can also help prevent unauthorized access to your network and systems. Lastly, backing up your data can help minimize the impact of data breaches or malware infections. Here are some steps you can take to improve your business's cybersecurity:

1. Invest in paid antivirus software: Paid antivirus software typically offers better protection and support than free solutions. Look for a solution that includes features such as real-time scanning, automatic updates, and support from a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts.
   
2. Educate your employees: Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber threats. Make sure they are trained to recognise and avoid common phishing scams, keep their software up to date, and use strong passwords.
   
3. Implement a firewall: A firewall can help prevent unauthorised access to your company's network and systems. Make sure you choose a firewall that is appropriate for your business's needs.
   
4. Back up your data: In the event of a data breach or malware infection, having backups of your data can help you quickly recover and minimise the impact on your business.

Conclusion

While free antivirus software may seem like a cost-effective solution for protecting your business, it's important to understand its limitations. To fully protect your business from cyber threats, you need to invest in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes paid antivirus software, employee education, firewall implementation, and data backups. Remember, cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to attack businesses, so it's important to stay vigilant and proactive in your approach to cybersecurity. By taking the necessary steps to protect your business, you can avoid becoming another statistic in the growing number of cyber attacks against small businesses. Don't wait until it's too late - start improving your cybersecurity today.

On October 13th, 2020, support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 ended. It's crucial that you migrate to a solution that is still being updated and receiving security patches, such as, Microsoft 365 or Exchange Server 2019.

What happens when software end of support kicks in?

When a software package reaches the end of it's lifecycle it no longer receives security patches or updated features. The software will continue to run and perform as it should but as more time goes by the potential for malicious attacks, failures and data loss rises significantly as hackers will seek to exploit un-patched vulnerabilities.

Do you need assistance with migrating Exchange Server 2020 to Microsoft 365

We have extensive knowledge in migrating servers of all types and can assist you in identifying the best solution for your business. Give us a call today to get started.

0330 44 55 365

In light of increased COVID-19 restrictions, and following a recent government announcement that even after the end of the pandemic, it’s estimated at least a third of people will remain working from home, now is the time to shore up your data protection and security protocols. 

In the early stages of the pandemic many people were setting up dining-room-table offices and making use of only the technology they already had. In contrast, OX365 IT Support clients already had appropriate remote working tools, as required by the inclusive Business Continuity risk assessments we provide during onboarding and reviewed annually. Many people are facing another stint working from home, and business owners’ and customers’ data is, again, put at risk. 

Whilst having an IT Support provider will inevitably be the best option for all businesses, for process support including remote working, and security and data backup management, there are still some measures you can put in place to ensure your staff and contractors can work effectively and comply with your company security policies. 

Here are some top tips to help secure data and maintain your business data protection whilst working from home: 

1. Have the appropriate tools & technology in place

Provide your staff with appropriate technology and don’t ask them to use personal devices, software or hosted services. Providing company assets to your staff and contractors means you can ensure their security is effective and actively monitored with proper business security tools. It’s all well and good providing your team with shiny new laptops and systems, but if they aren’t secure, they might as well use their own devices. 

2. Sharing data securely

Use agreed communication facilities with all staff - there are many platforms available for secure communication and data sharing (Microsoft Teams for example). If you need to share data via email, which isn’t always secure, create a sharing link in OneDrive with an expiration date and requiring authentication. Alternatively, if options are limited, password protect attachments and send by email, and inform the recipient of the passwords by phone, text or WhatsApp. 

3. Ensure adequate protection is in place

Remote working channels might include Microsoft or third-party Remote Desktop, web-based collaboration platforms, or by Virtual Private Network (VPN). For simplicity, it’s not uncommon for small businesses to use insecure PPTP VPNs, or Microsoft Remote Desktop through an open port on their router. Multifactor authentication and complex passwords should be enforced on all your remote working channels, and the channels should be adequately encrypted. If you‘re unsure about your security being sufficient, contact an IT company for advice. 

4. Switch to the cloud for transporting data

Removable storage devices are useful for transporting data. However, they are easily misplaced, difficult to track and manage, prone to failure and data loss and are a common target for malware. Secure online file sharing (e.g. OneDrive) is safer, and can also generate audit logs for your internal compliance

5. Cyber security awareness training

Staff IT Training improves efficiency and reduces risk. Delegate security training to your IT company or a suitably knowledgeable member of your team, and also engage your team with a cyber security awareness program which can be fun, with many online training portals including gamification features. The program should at a minimum include acceptable usage, malware, phishing, and support and reporting lines. 

OX365 offer a full IT Support and Security service. Please see our IT Support pages to see what what we include in our complete fixed fee service, offered under a rolling quarterly agreement. If you need either short or long-term support, our team can keep your team working effectively.