Symantec Antivirus Corporate: Best Choice for Your Needs in 2023
Based on comprehensive research and analysis of reputable sources,
Symantec Antivirus Corporate emerges as a top-tier choice for businesses seeking robust and reliable security solutions in 2023.
Overview
Symantec Corporation, a thought-leader in the cybersecurity landscape, offers Symantec Antivirus Corporate, a cloud-based endpoint protection solution. This comprehensive suite appeals to a broad spectrum of businesses, from SMEs to large enterprises, with its customizable features and tiered pricing strategy. The platform is deeply rooted in securing Microsoft Windows endpoints but has broadened its horizons to include robust support for Mac OS and enhanced mobile device management (MDM) capabilities.
Trustworthiness
As an established player in the cybersecurity market, Symantec is a name that businesses around the globe trust. Their recent shift towards cloud-based delivery mechanisms has not diluted their focus on providing top-notch security for Microsoft Windows endpoints. The company’s steadfastness in maintaining its core competencies while embracing modern delivery methods makes it a reliable choice for businesses.
Product Offerings and Pricing
Symantec Antivirus Corporate offers four versions of its product, catering to different business sizes and needs. The pricing begins at $28 per device per year and is offered in two tiers: per-device and per-user. The per-user option allows installation on up to five devices per user, making it a flexible choice for businesses with varying user-device ratios.
For businesses continuing to run on-premises Microsoft Windows Server instances, Symantec offers a specific version of Endpoint Protection Cloud, priced at $38 per server per year. This allows businesses to manage their server security seamlessly through the same online console as their end-user devices.
Despite its comprehensive offering, Symantec has chosen to list Drive Encryption as a separate tier, rather than including it in the base bundle. This optional add-on costs $97 per drive per year.
Installation and User Interface
The installation process for Symantec Antivirus Corporate is swift and straightforward. The software is deployed via a network deployment package, eliminating the need for admins to enroll client machines individually. Once installed, a friendly “You are Protected” message appears, assuring users of the system’s readiness.
The client software is light on user interface elements as the majority of the action occurs in the cloud management console. The console, with its intuitive design and easy navigation, allows admins to manage policies, scan for malware, and view policy application results.
Features and Policy Management
Symantec Antivirus Corporate’s policy management is divided into three main types: System, Security, and Device. System policies control updates and proxy settings, while security policies encompass antivirus settings, intrusion prevention, device controls, web protection, and more.
The platform also offers additional features beyond basic malware blocking, demonstrating Symantec’s commitment to full system protection. These include configurable client encryption, network protection, and password protection, the latter of which is especially beneficial for small businesses without a dedicated Active Directory or similar product.
Ransomware Protection
Symantec Antivirus Corporate boasts top-notch ransomware protection features. Its robust firewall and browser protection reduce the likelihood of threats reaching the execution stage. Furthermore, it presents a feature called Memory Exploit Mitigation (MEM), which identifies and interrupts suspicious exploit behaviors.
While Symantec Antivirus Corporate does not have specific ransomware detection capabilities beyond its core engine, tests have shown that it effectively prevents ransomware attacks. It doesn’t include features such as ransomware vaccine or file rollback, but its proactive prevention approach renders these extras unnecessary.
Performance and Test Results
Symantec Antivirus Corporate has consistently shown excellent performance in independent tests. AV-Test, an independent lab that tests antivirus software, gave Symantec Endpoint Protection Cloud a perfect score in its July/August 2018 evaluation. MRF-Effitas reported that Symantec blocked 99.7 percent of the malware samples in its Q2 2018 “In the Wild 360 / Full Spectrum” test.
Reporting
While Symantec Antivirus Corporate offers a comprehensive security solution, it somewhat falls short in its reporting capabilities. The platform’s reports, although aesthetically pleasing, do not capture all the information that admins might find useful. However, the platform does offer excellent mobile device management features.
Conclusion
Symantec Antivirus Corporate, with its exceptional protection tools and user-friendly controls, stands as a formidable security solution for businesses. It might fall slightly short in anti-phishing and reporting capabilities, but its performance in other areas and affordable pricing make it a worthwhile choice for businesses seeking robust security solutions in 2023. For businesses seeking superior reporting with the same level of defense, alternatives like Bitdefender GravityZone Elite, ESET Endpoint Protection Standard, or Sophos Intercept X Endpoint Protection can be considered.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive selection of protection tools
- User-friendly and intuitive controls
- Excellent mobile device management features
Cons
- Limited anti-phishing capabilities
- Reporting could be improved
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for businesses to choose a security solution that is not only robust and reliable today, but will continue to adapt and protect their systems in the future. Symantec Antivirus Corporate, with its proven track record and commitment to continuous improvement, is a strong contender for businesses seeking to bolster their security in 2023.
