Using Microsoft Security Essentials in a company

[upiter77]

AV for a company with 800 users

Hi

We're looking for a good AV solution.
Can we use Microsoft Security Essentials in a company with 800 users?
What advantages and disadvantages of commercial using of MSE and can you really recommend?

 

[LMiller7]

Microsoft Security Essentials is designed for home use and in small businesses of up to 10 PCs. I don't think it can be used legally in an organization such as yours.

Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I personally feel no one should use MSE. I used it for several months and was very disappointed with it. It simply doesn't do an adequate job of protecting from viruses. Except for when it first came out, it consistently ranks amongst lowest in professional antivirus program tests. Many geeks like it because it has a small footprint and a low profile but that is of little value if it will let something through. Most also use a good antimalware program, such as Malwarebytes Antimalware to compensate for MSE's weaknesses but one should never depend on a secondary program to be a first line of defense (although MBAM is an excellent second line of defense). That's like justifying driving with bald tires because you have a good spare.

For a business with 800 users, you need to bite the bullet and shell out the shekels for a good enterprise antivirus program or suite. Most, if not all, free AVs are for personal use anyways. Keep in mind that the cost of a good AV program or suite will be tax deductible. I'm not very familiar with enterprise AVs other than Symantec Endpoint and McAfee and do not recommend either one of them.

 

[upiter77]

Thx a lot, but which AV solution can you really recommend?

 

[LMiller7]

It would be difficult to make meaningful suggestions as the specific needs of your organization are of great importance. We of course know nothing of this. You need to research what is available and evaluate this taking into account your specific situation. If there is no one in your organization experienced in such matters you would do well to seek the services of an experienced consultant. The consequences of getting this wrong are too great.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

It would be difficult to make meaningful suggestions as the specific needs of your organization are of great importance. We of course know nothing of this. You need to research what is available and evaluate this taking into account your specific situation. If there is no one in your organization experienced in such matters you would do well to seek the services of an experienced consultant. The consequences of getting this wrong are too great.

What himself said!

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm thinking that any company that has 800 users has a I.T. Department that takes care of Security programs and methods.

 

[Computer0304]

Remember that for most AVs, you have to pay for business solutions. I would reccomend Avast Endpoint Protection, I know their home AVs are good but I am not sure about the enterprise versions. avast! | Enterprise Antivirus and Computer Security Software Also http://www.malwarebytes.org/business/ is also good to have in case something slips through the AV. it is reccomended often throughout SevenForums.

 

[Firefox]

It would be difficult to make meaningful suggestions as the specific needs of your organization are of great importance. We of course know nothing of this. You need to research what is available and evaluate this taking into account your specific situation. If there is no one in your organization experienced in such matters you would do well to seek the services of an experienced consultant. The consequences of getting this wrong are too great.

This is the best advice you will probably get on this matter. MSE is not made for the corporate environment. Three are so many to choose from for the corporate environment and the one you choose will greatly depend on your setup.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

It would be difficult to make meaningful suggestions as the specific needs of your organization are of great importance. We of course know nothing of this. You need to research what is available and evaluate this taking into account your specific situation. If there is no one in your organization experienced in such matters you would do well to seek the services of an experienced consultant. The consequences of getting this wrong are too great.

This is the best advice you will probably get on this matter. MSE is not made for the corporate environment. Three are so many to choose from for the corporate environment and the one you choose will greatly depend on your setup.

 

[Computer0304]

I personally feel no one should use MSE. I used it for several months and was very disappointed with it. It simply doesn't do an adequate job of protecting from viruses. Except for when it first came out, it consistently ranks amongst lowest in professional antivirus program tests. Many geeks like it because it has a small footprint and a low profile but that is of little value if it will let something through. Most also use a good antimalware program, such as Malwarebytes Antimalware to compensate for MSE's weaknesses but one should never depend on a secondary program to be a first line of defense (although MBAM is an excellent second line of defense). That's like justifying driving with bald tires because you have a good spare.

For a business with 800 users, you need to bite the bullet and shell out the shekels for a good enterprise antivirus program or suite. Most, if not all, free AVs are for personal use anyways. Keep in mind that the cost of a good AV program or suite will be tax deductible. I'm not very familiar with enterprise AVs other than Symantec Endpoint and McAfee and do not recommend either one of them.

Well since they are enterprise, it may be slightly better. But if their home AVs are not good, there is only a slight chance that the enterprise version is any better. (My opinion, no offense to those that use it)