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Choosing the right antivirus for your business without unnecessary complexity
Choosing the right antivirus solution isn’t just about ticking a compliance box - it’s about protecting your business, your clients, and your reputation.
At Telanova, we work with small and medium-sized businesses every day, helping them balance strong cybersecurity with usability and cost. Antivirus remains a critical part of that protection, but not all solutions are created equal.
Why Antivirus Still Matters
Even with modern security tools, antivirus remains a vital layer of defence. A good solution protects against:
- Malware and ransomware that can bring operations to a halt
- Phishing attacks targeting staff through email and web links
- Zero-day threats that exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities
For SMEs, the right antivirus can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious business disruption.
What We Look for in an Antivirus Solution
As a proactive MSP, we don’t just look at detection rates. We assess antivirus solutions based on how well they work in real-world business environments.
- Real-time protection: Active monitoring and immediate threat blocking
- Low system impact: Strong security without slowing devices down
- Centralised management: A single dashboard to manage all endpoints
- Reliable updates and support: Fast response to emerging threats
Our Recommended Antivirus Solutions
Depending on your business size, industry, and existing systems, we typically recommend one of the following:
SentinelOne
Our top recommendation for most clients.
- AI-powered threat detection and response
- Autonomous protection that works even offline
- Ransomware rollback to undo malicious changes
- Centralised management with deep visibility
Ideal for businesses that want modern, enterprise-grade protection without complexity.
Microsoft Defender for Business
A strong choice for organisations already using Microsoft 365.
- Native integration with Microsoft services
- Strong protection with minimal performance impact
- Centralised management via the Microsoft Security portal
ESET Protect
A great fit for businesses that need lightweight performance and granular control.
- Excellent detection rates
- Easy-to-use cloud management console
- Flexible licensing for growing teams
Sophos Intercept X
Best suited for organisations with more complex or regulated environments.
- Advanced ransomware protection and rollback
- AI-driven threat detection
- Integration with Sophos firewalls and security tools
Tailored Protection for Your Business
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all security.
Our approach starts with understanding how your business works - your users, your data, and your risk profile. Whether you’re a law firm, charity, construction company, or creative agency, we recommend antivirus solutions that work in practice, not just on paper.
Final Thoughts
Antivirus is just one part of a layered security strategy. At Telanova, we help businesses combine endpoint protection with patch management, backups, user training, and proactive monitoring.
We’re not just here to fix problems - we’re here to prevent them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is antivirus still necessary in 2025?
Yes. Antivirus remains a critical layer of defence, especially when combined with modern tools like EDR, patch management, and backups.
Is free antivirus good enough for businesses?
Free antivirus tools are designed for home use and lack centralised management, advanced threat detection, and business-grade support.
Can antivirus stop ransomware?
Modern antivirus solutions with behavioural detection and rollback features can stop and even reverse many ransomware attacks.
Does Microsoft Defender provide enough protection?
Microsoft Defender for Business offers strong protection when properly configured and managed, especially within Microsoft 365 environments.
Do we still need antivirus if we have backups?
Yes. Backups help you recover, but antivirus helps prevent infections in the first place. Both are essential.
Get the Right Antivirus for Your Business
At Telanova, we help businesses across Wokingham, Ascot, Bracknell, Reading, and the wider Berkshire region implement effective, manageable cybersecurity.
If you’re unsure whether your current antivirus is fit for purpose, we’re happy to review it with you.
Explore our IT support services or call 01344 989 530 to speak with our team.
