Will my Antivirus Software Work for My Entire Network?

A well-protected home or business computer network will have a number of internet security applications to defend against marauding malware, such as firewalls and internet security software to guard against hackers or other unwanted intruders. Antivirus software also secures your system against internet baddies like viruses, spyware and Trojans. But how do you know your antivirus software will protect your entire network? Here are a few things to consider when protecting a home or office system, plus our top picks for securing an entire network.

Ports

Most malware today gains access to our computers via unsecured ports, or connections through which data and information travels. In a network, only one port has to be unsecure to weaken the entire chain. Communication ports, like those used for email, are commonly targeted by digital marauders as points of access. Make sure your antivirus software protects your network against attacks like these with live port protection.

Webroot Antivirus 2011, the software that took home our TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award, leaves little else to be desired in terms of network port protection. With 13 digital shields, Webroot Antivirus defends against Trojans, spyware, phishing and more. Importantly, Webroot Antivirus watches your system’s outgoing and incoming communications, assuring you that you don’t inadvertently send or receive malicious files.

Network and Remote Control

If you have one PC on the network that’s acting up, you need remote access to fix the problem. When shopping for antivirus software that works across an entire network, be sure to make note of a network or remote-access control feature. This can allow an authorized user to control security settings across a network.

Kaspersky Antivirus 2011, our TopTenREVIEWS Silver Award winner, includes a Home Network Control function that allows you to control the security of all the PCs in your home or office. With this utility, you can block access to a vulnerable computer or grant admission to a protected one. This feature also allows remote management for parental controls so you can keep your kids safe online from anywhere on the network.

Protection Across PCs

One protected PC isn’t going to cut it for an entire network. Make sure you purchase protection for all the PCs on a home or office system. Most antivirus software allows you to pay a discounted price for protecting multiple computers, allowing you to have complete security. Purchasing one application for several computers is the best way to assure synergy and cooperation among the computers in the network.

Our TopTenREVIEWS Gold Award winner BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2012 offers the best deal. BitDefender’s 3-PC price beats out its competitors' prices, and the power packed into BitDefender Antivirus is sure to secure any home or office network. Since most private information is leaked through online communications like email or on Facebook, you can ensure that your network is secure with BitDefender’s powerful Privacy Alerts.

When protecting a home or office network, it’s important to remember that one weak link weakens the entire chain. One weak port or defenseless PC is all it takes for an entire network to become unsecure. Use these tips and suggestions to defend your digital fortress.

At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™