By Stuart Cooke

Data and device security are so important to any business, but especially when you’re just starting out. When you launch a new business it’s a good idea to start getting strong security systems in place as soon as possible. This is because you not only need to protect your sensitive information, but you also need to ensure your business is 100% GDPR compliant from the start. 

While you might wish to take your security measures into your own hands, you could also hire in a third party to help get you set up if you’re not sure where to begin. Either way, this is something you must consider in the early stages because sadly, data hackings and security breaches are on the rise, with cybercriminals always finding new ways to break into computer systems. 

This means you need to ensure you’ve got the most up to date and cost-effective software such as firewalls, malware, cloud-based security and backup systems. But with so much to consider in the early stages of your new business, this is another hurdle you have to overcome. 

That’s why this guide will take you through some of the best security software/apps out there right now, so you can ensure you make the right choices when it comes to security and that your new business is as protected as it can be against hackers and cybercriminals. Here are six of the best security apps recommended by the guys at Evalian. 

1. Avast Business Antivirus Pro 

For back-to-basics protection at a reasonable price, Avast Business Antivirus Pro is perfect for new businesses. The security suite is great value protection for your computer and offers users three-year packages for less than £50. The suite provides various tools including email protection, anti-spam and firewall, and if you choose the pro version as opposed to just the standard version, you’ll also receive Sharepoint and Exchange protection. 

Avast’s engine has been tested and blocks an average of 99.7% of threats, making this not only great value for money but also a sensible choice with regards to security systems for your new business. 

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020

The Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020 suite has been described as rock-solid and reliable protection. The suite comes with ransomware protection, privacy tools, VPN and Safepay, and the secure browser makes this ideal for new businesses and those conducting online transactions through your website. 

The virus detection software is reliable and accurate, and the web filtering feature helps to block access to malicious sites from search engine results. Not only this, but the suite also boasts an impressive anti-phishing module and is cost-effective with prices starting at £15.99 a year. 

3. Norton AntiVirus Plus

The Norton AntiVirus Plus is an upgraded version of the Norton basic which was released in April 2019. Prices start at £14.99 a year for the most basic package which makes this great for new businesses looking to keep things lean in the early stages. This top-quality malware hunter offers both manual and automatic protection depending on how hands on you like to be with your security systems. You can run scans yourself at any stage or set up and save scans to check your chosen areas as frequently as you need. 

The Norton suite also has a URL blocker that protects you from malicious websites and a file reputation service that recognises suspect downloads straight away. The AntiVirus Plus also has intelligent behaviour monitoring which uses up-to-date anti-virus software to quarantine threats as soon as they emerge, as well as cloud backup services and password managers. All in all, this affordable suite has everything you need to protect your systems in the early stages of your new business. 

4. Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a stripped-back security package which primarily focuses on the core security essentials. However, starting at just £12.49 a year the suite has been labelled one of the best performing security packages available. It’s easy to use, which is perfect if you’re new to the world of security and despite being stripped back all features work really well. The on-screen instructions help guide you through how and why the software does what it does.

What’s more, the suite effectively blocks malware and removes it from infected systems. The web filtering features block dangerous URLs and the smart monitoring systems spot and reverse any malicious actions as they happen.

5. Emsisoft Anti-Malware

Emsisoft Anti-Malware is a lightweight security tool which packs a punch. Despite not using many system resources, this powerful software can protect your PC and has come top in a number of independent antivirus tests. The key features of the software include behaviour blocker, email notifications for threat detection, dual antivirus and malware scanner, anti-ransomware and anti-phishing.

When starting a new business, it’s likely that you’ll trial and test products and services before committing to them, and your security systems should be no different! Emsisoft offers a 30-day trial period so you can get a feel for the software and decide whether or not it’s right for your business before you commit to buying it. 

6. CyberGhost VPN

We’ve briefly mention VPNs already, but if you’re unsure what these are, this stands for Virtual Private Network. These allow you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. This is done to protect your data and ensure hackers aren’t able to gain access to your devices through unsecured networks. 

CyberGhost is a VPN software and can be great when setting up your new business, especially if you work in a public or shared space. The software hides your IP, encrypts your internet activity and secures your systems when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. CyberGhost also offers reliable connection speeds, modern operating systems and the software is easy to install. The system is said to offers military-grade protection and best of all, it is free to use! Which is great when your business is just starting out and you’re hoping to cut costs.