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Small, and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are a constant target for cybercrime.
It includes a VPN, antivirus, fireball, and USB protection all controlled through a central dashboard.
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This is fine, as long as the core features are present and the software suite remains usable.
But what are the core features?
Avoid duplicating features where possible to reduce the impact on your budget.
Fortinet hasrecorded19 different types of phishing attacks, and each of these variations can end with theft.
This is where senior company employees (executives, directors) are targeted.
They might consider their position in the company hierarchy as being some form of protection.
Successful whaling attacks have been conducted with Zoom links, emails, and even through social networks.
LinkedIn and Facebook in particular have become resources for scammers versed in social engineering techniques.
Detection software that can spot phishing variants should be a priority feature in any evaluation project.
The risks of ID theft are considerable, as they can occur within the workplace and outside.
equipment loss or theft, home theft, and workplace theft can contribute to ID theft.
Having systems in place that can detect the theft or misuse of a colleagues ID is important.
If youre looking for new business security software, it should offer features in this area.
Along with phishing, malicious software is one of the biggest risks to the integrity of any SMB.
Everything from worms to Trojans and ransomware should also be covered.
These features should be the number one thing you look for when considering new business security software.
Firewall
Every system needs a firewall.
Physical (hardware) firewalls are a vital aspect of any internet, but software firewalls are also required.
Implementation of any new security software should include local software firewalls.
Any automated attempts to gain access to the business internet can be effectively blocked.
Simultaneously, authorized remote access can be correctly and safely configured.
Operating systems ship with firewalls built in, but intrusion detection is another matter.
In most cases, specialized intrusion detection and prevention software is standalone.
So, you shouldnt expect it to be a feature of your business security software.
However, some intrusion detection tools support integration with other solutions.
Thats where a Policy Management System (PMS) comes in.
Similar to a document management system, a PMS ensures complete coverage of policy engagement and compliance.
A typical PMS features a centralized, cloud-based storage and management environment.
Restricting users from the things they dont require access to can ensure improved security.
Covering everything from password length to permissions for running in-house and licensed software, profiles should be centrally managed.
Many security tools integrate Microsofts Active Directory, which can assist in controlling internet access.
One thing to note: Profile Management is difficult on Windows networks without using Active Directory.
Some SMBs dont use Active Directory, instead prefer Google Workplace or Office 365.
Mobile Security Management
One of the key elements of a modern business is mobile security.
Phones, laptops, tablets, and even smart watches play their part in communication and productivity.
But if left unobserved, these devices can prove to be a major security headache.
While excellentMobile gadget Management solutionsare available, some business security software solutions include some MDM functionality.
The difference between standard MDM and security software MDM features should be considered, however.
For example, a solution like Microsoft Defender for Enterprise includes protection for mobile and desktop devices.
But this doesnt include the more common features found in MDM tools.
Clearly, there is some crossover between MDM and mobile security management features in SMB security tools.
While evaluation of the best software is recommended, this is one area where there may be functional overlap.
Password Protection
What can password protection do to keep your business secure?
While not typically associated with security software, password management is increasingly becoming integrated.
The importance of password security cannot be understated.
This isnt just for connection access, or for emails; password protection should cover passwords for all purposes.
Think beyond devices like PCs, laptops, phones, and tablets, and also consider software accounts.
Security suites targeting SMBs should include a password protection feature.
Cloud Dashboard and Remote Management Apps
Off-site management of your business security tools should not be a desirable extra.
Using a cloud-based dashboard means easy internet tool-based access to your businesss security solution.
This can potentially be accessed and administered from anywhere, which is an advantage for distributed teams.
It is also useful if your IT services are outsourced.
Remote management is a strong counterpart feature.
While surfing app tools are popular on desktops, dedicated mobile apps are also an option.
VPN
Large organizations typically use two VPNs (virtual private online grid).
First will be the manually configured VPN that enables secure transfer of data between multiple sites.
Second, the third-party VPN service enables flexible working for remote and temporary employees.
This is typically used for private access to collaboration and project management tools, or third-party cloud storage.
Indeed, they boast features you wont find in Windows 10 or 11s built-in VPN tool.
Business security software that offers a VPN is certainly worth considering.
Even if it doesnt, if your business isnt already using a VPN service, it should be.
Ransomware Protection
Finally, any security software solution you adopt for your business absolutely must include ransomware protection.
Some ransomware can even access cloud drives, potentially resulting in backups becoming similarly encrypted.
Without the decryption key, business data is lost.
Ransomware is perhaps the greatest risk facing small and medium businesses and enterprise-level operations and organizations alike.
The potential payday for a successful ransomware operation is in six or seven figures, depending on the target.
As ransomware removal is difficult without the correct tools and encryption keys, mitigation is often unsuccessful.
Any business security software that you plan to evaluate should have protection against ransomware.
Patch Management
A significant portion of potential security issues are because of zero-day vulnerabilities.
These weaknesses can often be exploited before the vendor (Microsoft, Adobe, etc.)
becomes aware of them.
Patch management is a huge aspect of handling security issues.
Its not quite plugging the holes before the ship sinks; vulnerabilities can take time to exploit.
While patch management might seem like a reaction, effective management and implementation of patches is a proactive solution.
SMB-level security software that handles patch management is unusual, however.
File Shredding
Sensitive documents regularly need to be removed from online grid storage.
Instead, full deletion using file shredding software should be employed.
Basically the digital equivalent of a paper shredder, file shredder tools ensure complete destruction of data.
Shredding leaves data unreadable, but rather than cutting it into strips, data is overwritten multiple times.
Data shredding doesnt just overwrite data, it replaces it with random data, which is then also overwritten.
File shredding tools are commonplace across all types of security software and PC utilities.
Where problems cannot be dealt with in-house, the answer is to bring in a specialist.
Escalation is expensive, however, which can prevent some issues from being dealt with.
Remember, while these features are useful, theyre not must-haves.
The 10 security features in the list above are the ones every SMB needs.
TechRadar Pro created this content as part of a paid partnership with Avast.
The content of this article is entirely independent and solely reflects the editorial opinion of TechRadar Pro.
