You might be happy with your free security software solution for home use, but this is just not manageable for enterprises and SMBs. Some of these free applications that claim to be an anti-virus even do the opposite and plug your system with malware. Indeed, not all free solutions are evil, but companies should focus on trusted brands and professional security software providers.
There is no single right endpoint security software solution either. The right choice strongly depends on your business requirements and budget. From my point of view, however, I’d recommend companies a solution that lets them monitor endpoints and enforces policies from a central management suite. It’s also good not only to cover company PCs, but even laptops, and mobile phones. Especially if you happen to run a BYOD operation. You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a cyber-attack / InfoSec crisis.
You will need features to let your CIO sleep at night such as, disabling USB ports, knowing all devices have the up-to-date virus definitions, ransomware can’t stand a chance, and that stolen devices can be purged and deactivated remotely. Here’s our list of endpoint security solution providers you should consider in your comparison. The list is not ranked and only sorted alphabetically.
1. Avast
Founded: 1988
HQ Location: Prague, Czech
Website: https://www.avast.com/
2. Avecto
Founded: 2008
HQ Location: Wythenshawe, UK
Website: https://www.avecto.com/
3. AVG Technologies
Founded: 1975
HQ Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: https://www.avg.com/
4. Avira
Founded: 1986
HQ Location: Tettnang, Germany
Website: https://www.avira.com/
5. Bitdefender
Founded: 2001
HQ Location: Bucharest, Romania
Website: https://www.bitdefender.com/
6. DriveLock
Founded: 1999
HQ Location: Munich, Germany
Website: https://drivelock.com/
7. ESET
Founded: 1992
HQ Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Website: https://www.eset.com/
8. F-Secure
Founded: 1988 (as Data Fellows)
HQ Location: Helsinki, Finland
Website: https://www.f-secure.com/
9. G Data Software
Founded: 1985
HQ Location: Bochum, Germany
Website: https://www.gdata-software.com/
10. GFI
Founded: 1992
HQ Location: Austin, US
Website: https://www.gfi.com/
11. Intego
Founded: 1997
HQ Location: Seattle, WA
Website: https://www.intego.com/
12. Ivanti
Founded: 1985
HQ Location: South Jordan, US
Website: https://www.ivanti.com/
13. Kaspersky Lab
Founded: 1997
HQ Location: Moscow, Russia
Website: https://www.kaspersky.com/
14. McAfee
Founded: 1987
HQ Location: Santa Clara, US
Website: https://www.mcafee.com/
15. NCP engineering
Founded: 1986
HQ Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Website: https://www.ncp-e.com/
16: Secucloud
Founded: 2013
HQ Location: Hamburg, Germany
Website: https://www.secucloud.com/
17. Sophos
Founded: 1985
HQ Location: Abingdon, UK
Website: https://www.sophos.com/
18. Symantec Corporation (Norton)
Founded: 1982
HQ Location: Mountain View, US
Website: https://www.symantec.com/
19. Trend Micro
Founded: 1988
HQ Location: Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://www.trendmicro.com/
20. VIPRE
Founded: 1994 (as Sunbelt Software)
HQ Location: Clearwater, US
Website: https://www.vipre.com/
Summary
It should be noted that some of these solutions are affiliated with each other in one way or another. Some of the listed companies belong to the same groups or are acquired subsidiaries of the parent organization. Yet, I believe I was able to distinguish the unique product portfolios and brands in this listing for cybersecurity solutions.
There are certainly more cybersecurity solution providers out there for all kinds of needs, but if you need to compare products and service portfolios with each other, these are a good starting point. Have you made experiences with these or other companies? Make sure to share your security stories below in the comments.
Photo credit: The feature image is owned by Avast and all other logos are owned by their respective companies.
Editorial notice: The author is an investor in the Secucloud startup listed above, but the listing remains unbiased as this is not a ranking of companies.