How to Layer Antivirus Software Without Slowing Your System
In most cases, running simultaneous antivirus programs saps computer performance without adding substantial protective benefits. However, certain combinations of endpoint protection complement one another. What are good pairings for security applications on a computer?
Think about software type rather than brand.
When cybersecurity experts recommend taking a multi-layered approach to antivirus it means spreading detection measures across the network.
- Servers for e-mail and applications
- Cloud-based AV solutions hosted remotely
- Endpoint protection scanning desktops, tablets, mobile devices.
- A firewall appliance running its own application, guarding where the office network meets the internet.
The idea is to have all the pieces of infrastructure playing its own role in securing the network. The trick to mixing and matching solutions is to disable applications that overlap functionality.
Antivirus vs. Anti-malware
What’s the difference? Antivirus is a detection tool that scans files for known exploits. Anti-malware is a treatment tool used to quarantine and remove bad files from PC hard drive.
So-called Internet Security suites contain both AV and anti-malware programs, plus applications that automate backup, physical security like mobile device tracking, stored password encryption, and so forth.
Having one suite is enough. To mix and match software beyond the suite, you should disable and replace individual applications as needed.
For example, Malwarebytes grew in popularity because it uses different computing resources to run in tandem with AV software. If you use Symantec with Malwarebytes, disable the Symantec anti-malware application.
Antivirus double down? Load two, run one
Doubling up on AV tools vets your data against an extra threat database. There is a way to use both without system overkill. Configure one for continuous scanning, and reserve the other for manual operation every now and again.
Do not use both at the same time.
Who makes the best Internet Security software?
Software testing authority AV-TEST ranks solutions quarterly. Lately, the BitDefender software suite has ranked at or near the top each quarter.
Regardless of brand, keeping AV software up to date is the only way to make it worthwhile. If you don’t update antivirus software, don’t bother running it.
Purchase a solution that fits your scale. A SOHO under 10 seats will find that retail AV software fits their scope.
If you’re buying for a business with more than 10 users and hosting on a server, shop in the software security licensing store. Call a software licensing specialist for help decoding the fine print.
What to do if your AV finds malware
Each type of security solution checks files stored on the network, matching attributes against a database maintained by the manufacturer. Positive matches for malware are flagged for further investigation.
Malware is an umberalla term for programs that spy on users, or trick them into handing over a password. A virus is malware, specifically one that spreads to endpoints on a network. There are a variety of malware types.
Quiet kinds like spyware, adware, and keyloggers nest in start-up settings, registry files, and other deep-seated areas of a computer’s memory and run without the user knowing. Ransomware acts the opposite way, locking access to systems and blaring demands for a bounty.
Regular backups are the best anti-malware solution
IT professionals often say it’s easier to re-image a computer at the first sign of infection. Wiping and re-imaging infected data is easier and safer than removing the malware.
That is assuming that you properly backup your data. The 3-2-1 Backup Method is the standard rule for pro IT.
A well-run backup system insures you never have to pay ransom for your data. Simply wipe any infected drives, and load the last clean copy of your data.
When to add a business-grade firewall appliance
Any business that has users should a have a firewall appliance configured to police the company network. A firewall examines data entering from outside the network. It screens the router by examining data packets for suspicious files.
A loose firewall policy alerts users of suspicious files with a popup box. Tighten security by configuring a firewall to restrict user behavior you deem inappropriate.
- Create and enforce URL blacklists
- Control file downloads
- Watch for abnormal data with a graphical interface
- Set alarms triggered by exceeding parameters you set are detected to enable close monitoring of large networks.
The weakest link sits behind the PC
No product is perfect. Some software picks up threats that others may not; other times security software returns more false positives than a competing vendor’s may.
Your network is only as safe as the most gullible or malicious user on your network. Many companies proactively train employee to detect and avoid and phishing attempts.
Train staff by coaching up what spam e-mails look like and attempt to phish them in the course of a couple weeks. See who bites and offer more training. Repeat until scam e-mails fall below your desired threshold. Check out our free anti-phishing training program to use.
A well coached staff trained to avoid phishing scans, shady downloads, and dubious password complements your antivirus software best of all.
