Evaluating Security Software, Essay Example

Any business will have to make a tough decision with regard to security software.  Not only are their antivirus, firewall, and antispyware software, but there are security suites that try to bring an all-in-one solution to the picture for businesses of all sizes.  Additionally, further technology-based solutions must be considered, such as the connection between a company’s security and backup software.  In this analysis, two security suites will be analyzed to see which product might be best suited to a hypothetical business.

Bitdefender

The first security suite is from Bitdefender (2012).  For $699.95, the Bitdefender Small Business Pack provides protection for 20 PCs, 20 mobile devices, and gives protection for a file and mail server as well as a management server license for one year.  It offers an expected, across-the-board level of protection with regard to the blocking of spyware/adware, viruses, Trojan horses, and rootkits.  It integrates quarantines for suspicious data as well as multi-level spam protection with comprehensive email safety features.  It also has integrated firewall protection.

A number of advanced features add to the promise of the Bitdefender Small Business Pack.  Remote policy-based configuration and management, multi-PC scanning of all units on the network, mobile antitheft protection and scans, and a number of other features are included.  Lost or stolen laptops and mobile devices can even be recovered, when it is connected to the Internet.

There are some drawbacks with the product in terms of compatibility.  For the management server, only Microsoft SQL Server types are allowed.  Also, for Bitdefender Mobile Security, only Android-compatible devices are allowed.  Also, Mac devices are not compatible with the solution for optimized mail services.

Symantec

The second security suite is from Symantec (2012).  At the one year price point, for comparison purposes, the Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition provides 20 computers with protection – three-year plans offer a 20 percent discount.  The protection is again comprehensive, offering security against the normal array of worms, bots, spyware, and other common threats.  The program offers centralized protection from a server for all PCs and Macs, integrating offerings – antispyware, firewall, and Intrusion Prevention, for instance – in a single agent.

Advanced features add to the list of benefits from the Symantec security solution.  A rules-based firewall engine is presented along with Browser Protection and Generic Exploit Blocking (GEB) for advanced protection.  These features help against network based attacks and drive-by downloads.

Discussion

With regard to overall features, it looks like Bitdefender may be the stronger choice.  The mobile capabilities could be a nice feature set for businesses that have mobile devices and laptops as a distinct portion of their computer fleet.  Antitheft capabilities are also a strong feature as well.

However, there are a number of dynamics involved.  Symantec may be better for businesses that need stronger versatility in terms of operating systems.  Both of these solutions are ideal for small businesses with under 30 or 40 computers on a network.  Anything less or more in this range in regards to quantity or feature would make these products less than ideal.  If only a few computers – or more than 40 – need to be protected, businesses would be better with a different product choice.

References

Bitdefender (2012). Bitdefender Small Business Pack. Retrieved from http://www.bitdefender.com/business/small-business-pack.html

Symantec (2012). Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition. Retrieved from http://www.symantec.com/endpoint-protection-small-business-edition