In most cases, running simultaneous antivirus programs will majorly slow your computers performance without adding significant protective benefits. However, certain combinations of endpoint protection compliment one another. What are good pairings for security programs on a computer?
You want to think about software type rather than brand: Specifically, think in terms of antivirus and anti-malware when considering a combination of security software.
When cyber security experts recommend taking a multi-layered approach to antivirus it means spreading detection measures across your 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 the infrastructure puzzle playing its own role in securing the network. The trick to mixing and matching solutions is to disable applications within each that overlap in functionality.
Antivirus vs. Anti-malware
Are you wounding, what’s the difference between antivirus and anti-malware? Antivirus is a detection tool that scans files for known bugs. Anti-malware is a treatment tool used to quarantine and remove bad files from your computers hard drive.
You will find internet security software online that contains both anti-virus and anti-malware programs, plus applications that automate backup, physical security like mobile device tracking, stored password encryption, and so forth.
Usually you never want to run two anti-virus programs at the same time, but understand that having two on your system does have some benefit. A typical setup involves designating one as an always-running solution, with the other AV program running intermittently. Another strategy involves using some features from one software, and other features from your other software. In this setup, you should disable any redundant applications or features as needed to avoid unnecessarily bogging down your computers.
For example, Malwarebytes grew in popularity because it uses different computing resources to run in tandem with AV software. Now, if you pair Malwarebytes with something like Symantec Norton Security Deluxe which has its own anti-malware, you’ll want to disable the anti-malware part of the Symantec Norton software.
Antivirus double down? Load two, run one.
Doubling up on AV tools guard your data against an extra threat database. There are ways 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.
What to do if your Anti-Virus 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
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 to safeguard 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.
A well coached staff trained to avoid phishing scans, shady downloads, and dubious password complements your antivirus software best of all.