In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict Getting the best server antivirus is crucial for securing your network infrastructure. Corporate servers are among the most common vectors for cyber attacks today, alongside business email, remote-access servers, and cloud servers.
Because of this, it’s essential to have malware protection in place to protect your Windows and Linux servers and your business from ransomware, data exfiltration, domain manipulation, cross-site scripting, and network hijacking.
I’ve researched and tested 15 server and business security products to find the best server antivirus software available. Read on to find the best Windows server antivirus for your needs.
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TotalAV – Best Server Antivirus for Businesses with Premium Security Tools
The Top Antiviruses for Servers Ranked
- TotalAV – Overall best server antivirus for businesses, which includes an excellent set of security tools.
- Bitdefender – Best antivirus for Windows server protection, offering advanced anti-exploit features.
- Surfshark – Privacy-focused antivirus that includes a high-speed VPN and identity protection tools.
- McAfee – A robust antivirus for identity theft protection with wide-ranging security features.
- Avast – The best antivirus for servers for small businesses, including server, endpoint, and web protection.
- Trend Micro – The best server antivirus for in-depth reporting on threats and performance.
- ESET – The best server virus protection for multi-purpose servers, including patch management and forensics.
Do Servers Need Antivirus Software?
Server software vulnerabilities have been found to allow hackers to create admin accounts, giving them full control over networks. This puts all your hardware and data at risk and means your network could be used to carry out and propagate attacks.
Unpatched vulnerabilities can result in hundreds of servers being infected, as was the case with a recent attack that placed a backdoor in Microsoft SQL servers.
Besides protecting your Linux and Windows servers from some of the most prevalent online threats, like ransomware and malware, the best antivirus server software will help prevent data breaches, safeguard your database files, and ensure the smooth operation of your systems.
How Do Server Antiviruses Work?
This is particularly important as infected servers can rapidly transmit viruses and malware to all the end-user systems connected to them. Having a firewall in place can also prevent hostile actors from gaining access to your network and can flag unusual traffic patterns as data enters or leaves the network.
The best antivirus software for Windows servers will block malicious actors, strengthen your network security, and address vulnerabilities in your server’s defenses. If you need to protect Linux servers, check out our guide to the best Linux antivirus software, which provides additional recommendations on the best Linux server antivirus solutions.
Types of Cyberattacks Targeting Servers
Windows and Linux servers face a range of cyber threats today. Some of the most serious are:
- Malware, Spyware, and Rootkit Attacks – Cybercriminals who manage to infect your servers with malware can potentially access and control all your systems and records and monitor everything you do on the network. SQL injection attacks, meanwhile, can be used to destroy your database servers.
- Domain Manipulation – If criminals can access your network and servers, they can intercept information, alter the appearance of your websites, and add code to infect web visitors with malware.
- Ransomware – In these attacks, hackers lock up your systems and data and threaten irreparable damage unless you pay up. Even then, you can’t be sure your systems are secure or that the hackers won’t sell on your data or otherwise misuse it.
- Data Exfiltration – Hackers and fraudsters may attempt to monitor your activity and steal your information and that of your employees and customers. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often handle significant sums while having relatively limited security.
- Botnet Attacks – This form of cyberattack sees your sites and network being overwhelmed by requests from a centrally controlled network of devices. DDoS protection services, a web application firewall (WAF), and real-time filtering can help protect you.
- Phishing Attacks – Phishing is widespread and prevalent today. If hackers are able to gain admin permissions by tricking personnel into sharing their logins, then they can use the information to hijack your entire network.
Best Antivirus Server Software Reviewed
If you’re looking for the best antivirus for a Windows server or the top antivirus server solution for Linux, then you’re in the right place. Following our rigorous assessment methodology, I’ve tested 15 top-performing business and server antivirus protection solutions to find the best solutions for securing servers.
As well as exploring the best server client antivirus tools, I’ll also cover some of the top antivirus tools for general business and individual use cases.
| Starting Price | $1.58/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Free scans, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Excellent Malware Detection Rates, Duplicate File Finder, Phishing Protection |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 8; Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Why We Picked It
TotalAV is among the best business antiviruses I’ve tested, thanks to its superb security solutions, which offer comprehensive protection. As a member of the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI), TotalAV’s products are certified to meet all MVI requirements and provide advanced security with real-time scanning. I rate it as an excellent solution for small firms.
Features
- Business Security Features – With its network security features, TotalAV will help you rest easy, knowing your database files are safe from online threats. The antivirus offers robust protection from malware attacks, ransomware, and spyware and serves as a file shield. Alongside automatic scanning, which will stop viruses in their tracks, you can also schedule regular scans for an additional layer of security.
- Cloud Scanning – The software also performs zero-day cloud scanning, monitoring programs for suspicious behavior and safeguarding you from threats with cutting-edge technology, including novel threats that have never been spotted before.
- System Optimization Tools – I also appreciated TotalAV’s excellent set of system tune-up features, including a duplicate file finder and disk cleaner, to ensure your systems are running as smoothly as possible.
- Phishing Scam Protection and Dark Web Monitoring – TotalAV’s Phishing Scam Protection feature is an invaluable asset for businesses to protect against the threat of phishing scams. The Data Breach Monitoring feature, meanwhile, will notify you if your details get exposed anywhere on the internet. Total WebShield, on the other hand, protects you while browsing the internet.
Antivirus Testing Results
TotalAV performed very well in AV-Test’s latest trials, detecting and removing 100% of common malware and zero-day threats. You should also expect smooth performance with TotalAV matching or beating industry averages in 8 of 10 categories, though software installation was very slightly slowed down.
The antivirus excelled in usability, as well, with only one false positive while testing a sample set of over 1 million sites, software programs, and processes.
Pricing
TotalAV’s cheapest plan costs $19/year. If you want to unlock the full potential of TotalAV, you can upgrade to the Total Security plan for $49/year and get a VPN and password manager. You can also take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to test TotalAV’s services.
Who It’s Best For
TotalAV is a great business security tool that provides comprehensive protection for your device and network. It offers impressive real-time security, in-depth scans, and great value for money. All in all, I rate it as the top antivirus solution for businesses, and it’s extremely easy to set up and get started.
For more information, read our TotalAV review.
Pros
- Ransomware protection
- Beginner-friendly interface
- System tune-up tools
- AI-powered Total WebShield browser protection
- Protection from unwanted downloads
- Top Reddit-recommended antivirus
Cons
- Password manager requires top-tier plan
2. Bitdefender – Best Antivirus for Windows Server Protection
| Starting Price | $2.50/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 30-day free trial, free plan |
| Key Features | Ransomware Protection, Privacy Firewall, Web Protection |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | Unlimited for Business versions; Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
Why We Picked It
Bitdefender earns its spot on this list thanks to its 100% malware detection and removal rate in both independent and in-house testing, and it’s a great option for protecting Windows servers. In addition, it easily neutralizes advanced threats like rootkits and ransomware, making it a great option for protecting storage and database servers.
Features
- Ransomware Protection – Bitdefender takes a three-pronged approach to ransomware protection. First, you get a reliable real-time scanner to block attacks. Then, if a malicious file executes on your device, the antivirus will block all related processes. Lastly, the security solution enables you to back up your files and data for quick restoration, so even if all other defenses have failed, you won’t lose any crucial records.
- GravityZone Server Security – This is Bitdefender’s all-in-one security and performance optimization solution for cloud and server infrastructures. Notably, it includes the Advanced Anti-Exploit feature, which protects your company against both known and zero-day Windows server exploits.
- Web Protection – The antivirus proactively scans the web pages you visit and blocks malicious elements in real time. I appreciated that it immediately prevented access to dangerous sites during my tests but still gave me the option to proceed if I wanted to. Bitdefender also covers email threats and phishing attempts, notifying you if it detects any potential dangers.
- Rescue Environment – This feature helps you remove malware that can’t typically be stopped while the OS is running. It lets you reboot the PC or server in a safe environment and is highly effective against rootkits and camouflaged viruses.
Antivirus Testing Results
In recent AV-Test evaluations, Bitdefender’s business solution scored 6/6 for protection. It neutralized 100% of the 12,500+ malware samples it was tested against, including known and zero-day threats. It also received full marks for performance and usability, with minimal impact on system resources and no false positives. Bitdefender is also certified as a Top Product for Corporate Endpoint Protection by AV-Test.
Pricing
Bitdefender’s entry-level Antivirus Plus plan starts at $2.50/month for a one-year subscription for a single device and offers core features like web protection and a malware scanner, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For server support and advanced features, the Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security plan costs $189.99/year and supports six devices and three members. You can protect Windows servers and email addresses, and the plan includes a VPN and password manager.
You can also subscribe to GravityZone Small Business Security, which costs $104.99/year and protects five devices, which can include servers. GravityZone Business Security Premium starts at $286.99/year for five devices, which can include two servers and eight mailboxes, and can scale to 100 devices (35 servers and 150 mailboxes) for $4,063.49/year.
Who It’s Best For
Bitdefender is the best protection software for servers for users who require a secure antivirus to prevent ransomware attacks and protect Windows servers. This is crucial when managing critical backup, remote access, and database servers. In addition, it offers an excellent set of business plans to protect your servers and endpoints, and I rate it as one of the best Windows antiviruses.
For more information, read our Bitdefender review.
Pros
- Reliable malware detection and removal
- Real-time web protection
- Minimal strain on system resources
- Effective against zero-day malware threats
- Customizable business plans
- Best Windows server antivirus
Cons
- May issue more false positives than some competitors
- Requires separate subscription for unlimited VPN
3. Surfshark – Best Server Antivirus for Privacy
| Starting Price | $2.69/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | VPN trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Real-Time Protection, Customizable Security, Prevents Tracking |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 17.5/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 5.5, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 5; Windows, macOS, Android |
Why We Picked It
Surfshark offers antivirus services via Surfshark One, a comprehensive privacy and security bundle that can safeguard your company’s devices from malicious files, surveillance, and social engineering attacks, among other threats.
Features
- Real-Time Protection – Surfshark impressed me with its ability to block malicious websites and downloads in real time. Like TotalAV, Surfshark One has a frequently updated database of zero-day threats to protect your business operations from emerging threats and help you avoid financial losses and loss of access to your business systems.
- Malware Scanning – Besides keeping you safe from malware, ransomware, and viruses in real time, Surfshark is a great tool for scanning your devices. Its scans were quick during testing and had 100% malware detection rates. Surfshark One can also protect the privacy of your employees and your business with its webcam security feature, preventing hackers from remotely spying on in-office activity.
- Performance – I found that Surfshark has less system impact than McAfee and won’t slow your devices down, making it a superb choice for office devices that run resource-heavy programs.
- VPN and Dark Web Monitoring – The security bundle includes one of the best VPN services around for maximum privacy. It can help safeguard your employees from phishing attacks, intrusive ads, and third-party trackers while also encrypting online traffic. In addition, there’s a data breach monitoring feature that’ll alert you if it detects a leak containing your online account credentials, credit card information, personal documentation, or passwords. This means you can update your security settings to protect yourself.
Antivirus Testing Results
Surfshark Antivirus neutralized 100% of both zero-day and prevalent malware in recent AV-Test assessments. It also proved highly usable, issuing no false warnings against legitimate sites and apps with a large testing sample. Its performance was rated 5.5/6, with virtually no impact on software use and minimal slowdowns during web browsing.
Pricing
The Surfshark Antivirus product comes as a part of the Surfshark One bundle, which also includes a VPN. The two-year plan costs $2.69/month and comes with a 30-day guarantee. Annual and monthly subscriptions are available for Surfshark One at higher rates at $3.39/month and $17.95/month, respectively.
Who It’s Best For
Surfshark is ideal for users focused on privacy, such as those handling sensitive business files and processes. The security package includes one of the best VPNs on the market, with support for unlimited bandwidth and unlimited devices. That sits alongside a solid antivirus solution that can do a great job of keeping your devices safe and secure.
For more information, read our Surfshark antivirus review.
Pros
- Real-time alerts and system scanning
- Secure VPN included
- Data leak monitoring features
- Excellent ad blocking
- Checks for data breaches
Cons
- Antivirus limited to five devices
4. McAfee – Best Server Antivirus For Identity Theft Protection
| Starting Price | $3.33/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Customizable Security, Real-Time Protection, Prevents Tracking |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | Unlimited; Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS |
Why We Picked It
McAfee offers a range of robust security solutions for business and home use, including its McAfee Essential plan, which protects five devices and includes web protection, a password manager, a VPN, and scam protection.
Features
- Malware Protection – McAfee’s starter plan will keep your business devices safe from malware, including ransomware and zero-day threats, with scans and real-time protection. I also recommend it if your employees work on ChromeOS, as it’s one of the best Chromebook antiviruses.
- Identity Protection – For data security and performance optimization, McAfee also includes a file shredder. Identity protection features, meanwhile, include a tracker blocker, a security freeze tool, personal data cleanup facilities, and a limited VPN, as well as professional advice on identity restoration.
- Server Security – The wider product family also includes McAfee Server Security Suite Advanced, a service that safeguards company servers. This can protect physical and virtual servers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), VMware vSphere, OpenStack, and Microsoft Azure environments.
- Business Protection Account – I found McAfee highly customizable, and once you sign up, you can also upgrade your McAfee account to include business protection, which allows you to protect five employees with a single subscription, including cover for smartphones and desktop devices.
Antivirus Testing Results
McAfee achieved strong 99.5% to 100% malware detection and removal rates in AV-Test reviews and accomplished this while having a negligible impact on system performance – earning the platform full marks in the tests. While McAfee also scored 6/6 for usability, it wrongly identified one legitimate application as being potentially malicious. However, this was an isolated case in a test of over 2 million samples.
Pricing
McAfee has a wide range of plans, which make it easy to find a solution for your needs. The Essential plan ($39.99/year) provides all the core features needed for five devices, but upgrading to Premium extends McAfee’s coverage to unlimited devices.
Plans such as McAfee Premium ($49.99/year) and McAfee Advanced ($89.99/year) add identity theft protection features and up to $1 million in identity theft coverage. McAfee Ultimate ($199.99/year) raises the level of identity theft coverage to $2 million and also provides $25,000 in ransomware coverage.
McAfee can also monitor your business bank accounts and alert you to suspicious activity. Unlike Surfshark, it offers a Security Freeze feature, which lets you freeze your bank accounts with a single click to stop unauthorized access or withdrawals.
Who It’s Best For
McAfee offers a huge range of features, but its strongest offering is for identity theft protection, where it excels, making it a great pick for businesses and individuals concerned about scams. It also has a wide range of plans, and its support for unlimited devices at an affordable price makes it a great antivirus business solution.
Pros
- File shredder
- Security Freeze tool
- Expert advice on identity restoration
- Personal data cleanup
- Multi-platform compatibility
Cons
- Advanced plans come at a higher price
- Limited VPN
5. Avast – Best Server Antivirus for Small Businesses
| Starting Price | $2.01/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Cloud Sandbox, Patch Management, External Drive Protection |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 999; Windows and Linux servers, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Why We Picked It
Avast is a robust server antivirus that provides real-time visibility on threats and management capabilities with its comprehensive security reporting. It’s an ideal server antivirus for small businesses looking for a cybersecurity solution that lets you customize company device settings with a unified panel.
Features
- Server and Endpoint Protection – With its easy-to-use platform, Avast boosts server security and lets you protect your business endpoints, data, and applications from even the most advanced cyber threats. The server-based antivirus includes a Cloud Sandbox feature that lets you run apps in a safe environment before you launch them on company devices. My testing also showed great results for SharePoint server protection and exchange server protection.
- Email and Web Protection – Besides keeping your Windows PCs and servers malware-free, Avast will scan your company emails for malicious files and promptly report suspicious activity. Avast also offers web domain and content filtering to help you stop employees from accessing malicious or inappropriate websites. Its Real Site technology blocks phishing websites and Domain Name System (DNS) hijacking.
- Cloud Security – Avast is one of the best choices for companies with remote and hybrid work models. Avast uses a cloud-based approach for protecting devices, so your company files will protected, regardless of the device used to access them.
- Patch Management and External Drive Protection – The Avast Ultimate Business Security top-tier business protection plan includes Patch Management. This automatically detects app vulnerabilities and limits your exposure to attacks by ensuring software is patched and up to date. Unlike the other providers I’ve tested, Avast also provides USB protection. This protects your business from data theft and endpoint malware infections by blocking unrecognized USB storage devices from connecting to your company hardware.
Antivirus Testing Results
Avast’s business solution had great results in AV-Test’s latest trials, scoring 6/6 for protection, performance, and usability.
Malware detection and removal stood at 99.8% to 100%, and the provider didn’t issue any false positives against over 1 million samples. The antivirus only lagged in browsing speed, showing slightly higher-than-average slowdowns when visiting popular websites but matching or beating industry averages in 7 of 10 fields.
Pricing
The Avast Essential Business Security package, starting at $24.15/year with a three-year subscription, will protect servers and includes an online management platform, device and data protection, and tools to combat ransomware and phishing.
Upgrading up to Avast Ultimate Business Security ($37.21/year for three years) will get you advanced endpoint protection, web controls, USB protection, patch management, and personal VPNs for your staff. Prices drop steeply on a per-device basis as you add more devices and subscribe for longer periods.
For B2C customers, Avast offers a free plan as well as two premium solutions with its core antivirus plans, with prices starting at $49.99/year for a single device and $69.99/year for ten.
Who It’s Best For
Avast is a great option for small businesses needing server security and endpoint protection. It comes with a dedicated antivirus server edition with a wide range of customization options and comprehensive reporting.
Nevertheless, I found it to be an intuitive and easy-to-use server security product, and I’ve found the customer support to be knowledgeable and helpful. Given its impressive mobile security apps, I also rate Avast as one of the best Android antiviruses around.
For more information, read our Avast antivirus review.
Pros
- Centralized platform
- Easy to set up and use
- External drive protection included
- Strong customer support
Cons
- Can have some system impact
- Slightly confusing pricing structure
6. Trend Micro – Best Server Antivirus for In-Depth Reporting
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Centralized Management, Automated Scanning, Managed XDR |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 17.5/18 (Protection: 5.5, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 25; Windows, Linux, and Novel NetWare servers, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook |
Why We Picked It
Trend Micro offers a complete suite of security tools with its Smart Protection plans. Its products are designed to safeguard your business from cyberattacks by integrating defenses across gateways, mobile devices, servers, endpoints, and security service apps – and it provides comprehensive reporting on threats and performance.
Features
- Threat Identification – The Trend Micro server antivirus uses machine learning for pre-execution and runtime analysis to ensure accurate threat identification. Its detection and response features can also automatically remove potentially dangerous files from your network.
- Central Console – Like Avast, Trend Micro offers a centralized console for administrative tasks, which allows you to manage security at every level. You can also access comprehensive data and threat analysis reports for your environment.
- Reports – Trend Micro provides incident reports and actionable insights for admins, with reporting covering server workloads for physical, virtual, and cloud operations. I liked the flexibility of being able to generate reports on demand or to schedule them and the additional option to automatically send the data to specific teams or individuals.
- Managed XDR – Thanks to the optional Managed XDR feature, Trend Micro can automate management, minimizing the admin work required to keep it running. This feature provides 24/7 threat monitoring and can investigate the source of active threats. This makes the product one of the best server antiviruses for growing businesses.
Antivirus Testing Results
Trend Micro scored 5.5/6 for protection in the latest AV-Test review, detecting 100% of zero-day malware and 99.9% of known threats. Its performance metrics matched or exceeded industry averages in 8 of 10 categories, and usability was equally good, with no false alarms against a set of over 1 million samples.
During my testing, I found Trend Micro to have less system performance impact than Avast and ESET, making it a good pick for companies running resource-heavy programs that can’t afford slowdowns.
Pricing
Pricing for Trend Micro’s server plans is available on request, helping users ensure they find the right package for their needs.
Consumer plans start at $19.95/year, and you can upgrade for coverage for additional devices. Higher-tier consumer plans, including the Trend Micro Premium Security Suite ($54.95/year), offer tools such as a VPN, password manager, and data breach monitoring.
Who It’s Best For
Trend Micro makes the internet safer for your whole team and is excellent when it comes to reporting. From email and web browser protection to mobile security, the antivirus can detect and remove malware, ransomware, and viruses and stop your employees from falling victim to phishing scams.
For more information, read our Trend Micro review.
Pros
- Detailed reports
- Consumes minimal system resources
- Centralized console
- Managed XDR support
- Flexible plans
Cons
- Scans can take time
- Pricing isn’t public
7. ESET – Best Server Virus Protection for Multi-Purpose Servers
| Starting Price | $3.16/month per device |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Vulnerability and Patch Management, Digital Forensics, Cloud Sandbox Testing |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 99; Windows, Linux, and Microsoft Azure servers, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
Why We Picked It
ESET has nearly three decades of experience with malware prevention using machine learning and is one of the best choices for small-to-medium businesses looking to set up multilayered cyber defenses. It can also handle patch management and digital forensics, making it a great option for enhancing your server security.
Features
- Server Protection – ESET can protect your servers and network file storage to keep your servers stable and conflict-free. This makes a big difference, as it’ll help minimize maintenance windows and business disruption. Its impressive arsenal includes ransomware and fileless malware attack prevention, real-time server monitoring, and data breach prevention, as well as remote administrator access.
- Cloud Sandbox Testing – A feature I like about ESET is that it quarantines all data and network traffic passing through your servers and tests it in a cloud sandbox environment before allowing it to reach your devices. This ensures you’re protected from malware and ransomware breaches.
- Advanced Security Features – The provider offers affordable server antivirus security and endpoint protection as well as cloud app protection to minimize your exposure to zero-day threats. The server anti-virus software product lets you encrypt files using military-grade encryption to keep them secure and enables you to set company-wide password policies to ensure your employees’ accounts are protected from brute-force attacks. Unlike Avast, ESET doesn’t offer email protection with its entry-level plan, but this can be obtained with an upgrade.
- XDR – Compared to Trend Micro and Avast, ESET has a steeper learning curve, but its extended detection and response features impressed me in hands-on testing as they allow your security team to quickly perform in-depth root cause analysis, so you can promptly respond to threats.
Antivirus Testing Results
ESET has got full marks for protection, performance, and usability in five consecutive AV-Test trials for business products. The antivirus neutralized 100% of new and prevalent malware in the latest round of tests while having minimal impact on system resources.
It did similarly well in usability tests, with no false alerts and without blocking the installation or use of legitimate software or websites while testing over 1 million samples.
Pricing
ESET Protect Entry costs $3.16/month per device with a three-year plan for five devices. The firm offers discounts for adding devices – up to a maximum of 99 – and subscribing for longer periods. ESET has a range of consumer plans that scale from basic security with ESET Essential ($34.99/year) to ESET Ultimate ($179.99/year), including features like a VPN, data breach monitoring, and identity theft protection.
Who It’s Best For
ESET is a great option for protecting multi-purpose servers from cyber threats – and it comes at a great price. Going beyond robust endpoint security and server protection, ESET also has plenty to offer small businesses and home users.
For more information, read our ESET antivirus review.
Pros
- Enhances network traffic monitoring
- Remote administrator access
- Impressive XDR features
- Best server antivirus for ransomware
Cons
- Slight learning curve to interface
- Advanced plans are relatively expensive
Best of the Rest
The following three tools – Norton, NordVPN Threat Protection, and Intego – don’t provide direct server support, but they’re great antiviruses for business networks and home users. Check out what these tools can do for you.
8. Norton – Best Antivirus for System Optimization for Businesses
| Starting Price | $0.83/month per device |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 30-day trial, 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Cloud Backup, Antivirus Protection Promise, Password Manager |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | Unlimited; Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Why We Picked It
Norton offers flexible and scalable plans for small businesses looking for efficient antivirus protection. It provides cloud backups, a VPN, and internet security tools, as well as a great suite of system optimization features.
Features
- Spyware Detection – Thanks to its advanced AI machine learning algorithms, Norton excels at detecting and removing spyware from devices, preventing surveillance and data theft. This capability helps Norton detect malware, ransomware, and viruses faster than most competitors, and the provider fared very well in my testing.
- Password Manager, Cloud Backups, and Security Features – Each Norton plan comes with a password manager, which provides an additional layer of security for your employees and your business data. Norton’s Deluxe plan also offers 50GB of cloud backup storage, increasing to 500GB with its top-tier plans. Like McAfee, Norton also provides a a great set of system optimization tools, speeding up start times and removing junk files, and comprehensive identity theft prevention features, helping your business reduce the chances of financial losses.
- Business Security Features – In addition to its strong consumer offering, Norton has excellent business cybersecurity plans. These add tools to help you optimize your workplace devices by cleaning out junk files, unneeded apps, and obsolete data.
- Virus Protection Promise – Unlike most of its competitors, Norton offers an impressive virus protection guarantee. Norton will issue a full refund for your plan if it fails to remove a virus from your devices.
Antivirus Testing Results
Norton proved highly reliable in recent AV-Test assessments, detecting 99.8% to 100% of threats among 12,500+ zero-day and common malware samples. Performance-wise, it matched or beat industry averages in 8 of 10 categories and had minimal system impact. Norton also got full marks for usability, with no false alarms when testing against over 1 million samples.
Pricing
Norton’s cheapest business plan, Norton Small Business, costs $59.99/year for six devices (under $0.83/month per device) or $149.99/year for 20 devices.
Norton Antivirus Plus is the company’s most affordable consumer plan, starting at $29.99/year. You can upgrade to the Norton 360 Deluxe plan ($49.99/year) for additional identity theft protection solutions, and there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee to protect you.
Who It’s Best For
Norton offers a great set of tools at an affordable price, but it really shines when it comes to system optimization features. The antivirus solution makes it easy to clean up your devices and boost their processing power, whether on home systems or business machines. If you’re trying to speed up your processes or get the most out of older machines, it’s ideal.
For more information, read our Norton antivirus review.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Great system optimization tools
- Strong spyware detection
- Extras include a password manager and cloud backups
- Virus Protection Promise
Cons
- Heavier resource usage when running full scans
- Limited features on starter plan
9. NordVPN Threat Protection – Best Antivirus With a Global VPN for Businesses
| Starting Price | $4.39/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | 7-day Android trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | Data Breach Scanner, Password Manager, 1TB Encrypted Cloud Storage |
| Antivirus Testing Results | Excellent Blocking Capabilities |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 10; Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
Why We Picked It
NordVPN Threat Protection is provided by the leading VPN provider NordVPN and offers powerful tools to keep your employees safe online and protect your company’s data from surveillance and theft. The VPN, meanwhile, provides an extensive global network with 6,700 servers spread over 111 countries.
Features
- Web Protection and Download Scans – This lightweight antivirus solution will warn your staff if they visit a potentially dangerous website that may carry malware, keeping your company’s devices safe from infection – a service that I’ve found to be highly effective. NordVPN Threat Protection also automatically scans download files and blocks malware and other threats. These are logged in a dashboard, which you can review to identify sites and files your employees should be wary of in the future.
- VPN – NordVPN Threat Protection is a separate service from NordVPN and doesn’t require a VPN connection unless you’re on a mobile device or Linux. However, the VPN plays a significant role in keeping you safe from online threats and can block intrusive ads and third-party trackers. It also effectively secures and anonymizes your connection, allowing you to pick from 6,700+ servers in 111 countries around the world. I rate it as the best VPN service available today.
- Identity Theft Protection – NordVPN Threat Protection’s data breach scanning feature can track and inform you if any of your information is leaked online. This can help ensure the security of your passwords, emails, and credit card details. Nord also provides a password manager and can help stop data brokering firms from collecting sensitive information about your business.
- Identity Theft Recovery – On top of its identity protection tools, NordVPN Threat Protection provides up to $1 million in coverage for identity theft recovery and up to $100,000 of cyber extortion protection, which can help you recover from a ransomware attack.
Antivirus Testing Results
NordVPN Threat Protection detected and blocked 100% of the 2,000+ malicious websites and downloads I tested it with. It also had great results in preventing phishing attacks from email sources. Performance, however, was slightly inconsistent, with occasional slowdowns during browsing. In addition, NordVPN incorrectly blocked one legitimate website from 150 samples.
Pricing
The cheapest Nord Threat Protection plan costs $52.68/year on a two-year plan, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Annual and monthly plans come in at $5.99/month and $13.99/month, respectively. You can also upgrade to the Prime plan ($8.39/month) for 1TB of encrypted cloud storage, credit monitoring, $1m in identity theft insurance, and $100,000 of ransomware cover.
Who It’s Best For
NordVPN Threat Protection combines robust security tools with the best global VPNs available today. Given this, it’s great for browser protection and using the internet securely and anonymously with a choice of servers located around the world.
For more information, read our NordVPN Threat Protection review.
Pros
- Minimal resource consumption
- Cross-platform password manager
- Easy to use and install
- One of the fastest VPN services
Cons
- NordVPN server connection required for mobile
- Limited drive scanning features
10. Intego – Best Antivirus for Macs for Business
| Starting Price | $3.13/month |
|---|---|
| Free Version / Trial | Free tools, 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Key Features | NetBarrier, Personal Backup, Mac Washing Machine |
| Antivirus Testing Results | 17/18 (Protection: 5, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) |
| Max Devices and Compatibility | 5; macOS, Windows |
Why We Picked It
Intego is a strong antivirus provider that stands out for its focus on Mac protection in contrast to the Windows-first focus of most of its competitors. The provider’s beginner-friendly macOS app can protect Apple devices from emerging, prevalent, and common threats and is great for small businesses using Macs.
Features
- Antivirus Scans – All Intego’s products include automatic and scheduled scanning to monitor devices, real-time protection from viruses and malware, and anti-phishing protection. I’ve consistently found the product easy to use and effective in my testing. You can also scan an iPhone by connecting it to your Mac and treating the device as an external drive.
- Mac Firewall – Intego’s firewall, NetBarrier, can identify devices trying to access your business network, letting you decide which ones can connect. NetBarrier is a two-way firewall, so it can also prevent malware from extracting company files from your business devices, keeping your data safe.
- Backup Storage – More advanced packages include backups for your Mac devices. You can store and back up all your essential files so that they can be ported to an external drive or another Mac in case of loss, damage, or data theft.
- System Optimization – I also particularly like the Mac Washing Machine feature, which can help you optimize your Mac. With a single click, you can remove junk files, duplicate files, and unnecessary apps from your company devices. That said, while Intego offers more features for macOS protection than my previous picks, its Windows antivirus solutions don’t match the likes of TotalAV, Bitdefender, or Surfshark.
Antivirus Testing Results
In recent AV-Comparatives tests, Intego neutralized 99.1% of Mac malware and 100% of Windows malware. It also scored 6/6 for performance and usability in AV-Test’s most recent round of trials. Performance was generally on par with the competition, with minimal system impact, and Intego didn’t issue any false warnings against legitimate software and sites while testing over 70,000 samples.
Pricing
Intego offers a variety of paid plans for Windows and Mac, starting at $37.50/year with a two-year subscription. The Mac Premium Bundle + VPN costs $75/year with a two-year subscription. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its products.
If you plan to use the antivirus software on more than one device, Intego offers plans that cover up to five devices at a higher cost.
Who It’s Best For
Intego is a great solution for securing Mac devices. It comes with a wide range of tools, and the ability to scan connected iOS devices is an added bonus.
For more information, read our Intego antivirus review.
Pros
- Feature-rich Mac packages
- Advanced Mac firewall
- Background scanning and monitoring
- Great system optimization features
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No dedicated mobile support
Best Server Security Software Compared
Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison of the best antivirus software for servers:
| Provider | Cheapest Plan | Free Version / Trial | Antivirus Testing Results | Max Devices | Automatic Updates | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TotalAV | $1.58/month | Free scans, 30-day money-back guarantee | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | 8 | ✅ | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Bitdefender | $2.50/month | Free plan, 30-day money-back guarantee | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | 10 | ✅ | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Surfshark | $2.49/month | VPN trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | 17.5/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 5.5, Usability: 6) | 5 | ✅ | Windows, macOS, Android |
| McAfee | $3.33/month | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | Unlimited | ✅ | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, ChromeOS |
| Avast | $2.01/month | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | 999 | ✅ | Windows and Linux servers, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Trend Micro | Custom Pricing | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | 17.5/18 (Protection: 5.5, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | 25 | ✅ | Windows, Linux, and Novel NetWare servers, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook |
| ESET | $3.16/month per device | 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | 99 | ✅ | Windows, Linux, and Microsoft Azure servers, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS |
| Norton | $0.83/month | 30-day trial, 60-day money-back guarantee | 18/18 (Protection: 6, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | Unlimited | ✅ | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| NordVPN Threat Protection | $3.99/month | 7-day Android trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | Strong In-House Testing Results | 10 | ✅ | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Intego | $3.13/month | Free tools, 30-day trial, 30-day money-back guarantee | 17/18 (Protection: 5, Performance: 6, Usability: 6) | 5 | ✅ | macOS, Windows |
How I Reviewed and Tested the Best Antivirus Software for Servers
- 15 Antiviruses Tested
- 20 Datapoints Measured
- 300+ Hours Testing
- 500+ User Reviews Read
We base all our recommendations on first-hand experience and in-depth testing. All the Linux and Windows server antivirus products included in this guide have been tested on the following criteria:
Core Security Features I made sure that the server antivirus software I tested was equipped with features like network scanning, network firewall functionality, and real-time protection.
Malware Detection Rates We test malware detection rates ourselves by running both in-depth and quick scans. We also check the results of independent lab tests for additional analysis, and I’ve incorporated the results of server and business antivirus testing in my reviews here.
Performance Impact A reliable network antivirus won’t have a noticeable impact on your system. I’ve tracked and examined performance to gauge what effect the software will have and have factored this into my reviews.
Compatibility I checked the devices and operating systems that each server antivirus product was compatible with and whether they would support endpoint protection for desktop and mobile devices.
Customer Experience Alongside my own experiences, I researched what network admins and tech professionals had to say about these products. I’ve scoured the web for feedback and user reviews on each of the server security products I’ve reviewed here.
Value for Money We always consider value for money and how much each product offers for its cost. Of course, the potential impact of malware infiltration is particularly significant in a business context, which I’ve taken into consideration.
What is a Business Server?
It may manage network resources, remote access, or data storage – including files, emails, and databases – or provide services to clients. Centralizing these processes makes them more efficient and more secure.
However, it also makes them potentially vulnerable to attack, as taking control of your servers could expose all the devices on your network. With damages increasing by 30% year-on-year, ransomware is expected to cost victims over $265 billion a year by 2031.
Different Types of Servers
Servers run on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and UNIX. When looking for antivirus software for server installation, you’ll need to make sure the product is compatible. Some of the most common types of servers include:
- Application Servers – Manage how programs are deployed and run.
- Backup Servers – Oversee and store data backups for systems and networks.
- Database Servers – Manage business databases.
- Mail Servers – Manage email communication and how messages are received, sent, and stored.
- Proxy Servers – Sit between users and other servers and offer caching and filtering to enhance performance.
- Remote Access Servers – Enable users to remotely connect to a network or its resources.
- Storage Servers – File servers that manage and store web files and control how they are accessed.
- Web Servers – Web servers handle hosting for websites and distribute their content online for users.
- Windows Servers and Linux Servers – Servers can use a wide range of operating systems, including versions of Windows and Linux distros.
How to Maximize Server Protection for a Linux or Windows Server
It’s wise to take steps to keep any device secure, but servers are even more important as they often hold critical information and manage processes for your entire organization – and an infected server can infect your whole network. To keep your servers secure:
- Use strong, unique passwords and regularly change them
- Require two-factor authentication for system access
- Use secure SSH connections when connecting remotely
- Encrypt connections with VPNs or private networks
- Keep software up to date and ensure you’re running the latest service pack
- Engage in a routine patch management process
- Run regular backups
- Disable or remove unnecessary software and services
- Monitor logs for anomalous activity and login attempts
- Run cybersecurity awareness training
- Install antivirus software for servers and a firewall
How to Choose the Best Server Antivirus
I have extensive experience in researching and testing IT hardware and software, so I can pick out the antivirus software server features that really make a difference, whether looking at a comprehensive host intrusion protection system or an exchange server protection system.
Here’s a list of key factors I considered when assessing the server security solutions on my shortlist, which are worth keeping in mind whether you’re looking at ESET server security, a file server antivirus, or the best antivirus for Windows servers.
- Server Security Software Performance – Some server antiviruses degrade performance, slowing your systems down by constantly scanning and monitoring processes. The best antiviruses for servers include features to minimize their impact on network resources – so look for a server anti-virus that includes scan performance optimization.
- Comprehensive Threat Protection – The best server anti-virus should protect you from online threats like viruses, ransomware, malware, spyware, and more sophisticated attacks. Look for server security services that can protect you from data exfiltration, phishing, and social engineering attacks.
- Real-Time Updates – The best server anti-malware software will run regular updates to detect emerging threats and keep your business network safe. Good server protection software will also support automatic updates to save your team from wasting time on manual updates.
- Ease of Use – The best anti-virus server solution will have a user-friendly dashboard that’s easy to navigate and will provide detailed reports following incidents. If your company doesn’t have expert tech security staff, avoid overly complicated server antiviruses that require specialist experience for installation and use.
- Compatibility with Different Operating Systems – Compatibility is essential. It’s no use getting the best anti-virus for Windows servers if you need to support Linux hardware, for example, or buying the best antivirus for Windows Server 2022 if you need security for Windows Server 2012. When looking for security software to protect servers, it’s also worth considering whether you want to use the same package for endpoint protection and network security. If so, you’ll likely need compatibility with multiple operating systems.
- Value for Money – Lastly, when making a server antivirus price comparison, it’s worth fully considering your needs before looking for the cheapest option. Getting the best internet security with Windows server antivirus software, for example, is far more important than making a small saving, considering the critical threat that hackers pose to your servers and your business.
How to Install Server Antivirus Software
While each software product requires a different approach to its installation, most of the server anti-viruses on my list follow a similar process.
Here’s a quick guide for installing Bitdefender on server infrastructure:
Download Bitdefender’s Business Solution
Visit Bitdefender’s website and subscribe to one of its business plans. For server protection, you’ll need the GravityZone package.
Sign In to Your Account
Once you’ve subscribed, you’ll receive an email from Bitdefender with a link to your GravityZone dashboard with a password. Click the link and use your email and password to log in.
Install Bitdefender GravityZone
On the dashboard, you’ll see options to install the antivirus locally or on an endpoint. Make your choice and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Set Up Your Business Network
Start adding your business devices to the network and setting up Bitdefender’s security features to protect your devices and servers from malware, ransomware, and exploits.
Free vs Paid – Are Free Server Antiviruses Enough?
A free server antivirus may be an attractive offer for your server protection tools – but it realistically won’t provide the security of a premium server antivirus. It’s also rare that you’ll find an antivirus server core edition for free, in any case. What’s more, some offers of server antivirus support are actually scams.
Free tools can be helpful if you’re running a home office and don’t need to monitor multiple devices and employees, for example. However, like many software products advertised as being free, most free server antiviruses come with limited features or hidden fees.
Because of that, instead of looking for an antivirus for servers free of charge, I recommend exploring affordable paid options that come with more features. After all, they can do far more than even the best free antivirus for a Windows server.
Conclusion – What is the Best Antivirus for Servers?
Securing your network infrastructure is critical today, given the growing range of online threats facing businesses. Ransomware attacks can hit all kinds of organizations, ranging from law firms to charities to police departments to hospitals, and the impact can be devastating. Given this, it’s critical to have digital protection in place for your servers as well as your network endpoints to protect your organization.
Based on my hands-on testing, I found TotalAV to be a great pick for small businesses. It’s very reasonably priced and includes excellent malware detection tools, system optimization features, and phishing protection.
Bitdefender is also an excellent provider when it comes to the best server protection. It’s an easy-to-use, centralized platform and offers both server and endpoint protection. In addition, it’s highly scalable and is very affordable at a per-device level, making it a candidate for being the best antivirus for server security.
FAQs
What is a server antivirus?
Is Windows Defender enough for servers?
Which is the best antivirus for servers?
What’s the best free antivirus for server security?
How much is antivirus server software?
Do Windows servers need antivirus?
Can a server be protected with antivirus?
References
- Microsoft Virus Initiative (Microsoft)
- Finding the Right Balance: Security vs. Performance with Network Storage Systems (Stony Brook University)
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams (FTC Consumer Advice)
- Cyberattack Complaints in New York Rise 53% (Office of the State of New York Comptroller)
- McAfee Internet Security test results (AV-Test)
- Norton Internet Security test results (AV-Test)
- Intego Mac Internet Security X9 test results (AV-Test)
- Most common ways for cyber attacks to occur in the United States and Europe from 2021 to 2022 (Statista)
- IT threat evolution in Q3 2023. Non-mobile statistics (SecureList)
- Global Ransomware Damage Costs Predicted To Exceed $265 Billion By 2031 (Cybercrime Magazine)
- Hundreds of Microsoft SQL servers found to be backdoored (ThreatDown)
