When looking for a good cloud antivirus (AV), remember that it’s only one part of the entire security setup. Before even browsing various AVs, make sure that you have a robust and coherent security system in place to detect and deter all threats on your system. The four major components of security are explained below.
Content Filtering (also known as information filtering) is the use of an application to screen and exclude from access or availability Web pages or e-mail that is deemed objectionable. While fairly basic, this is the first step in preventing harmful malware and viruses. As most of us know, user discretion is about as reliable as a wet match in a dark cave.
Application Control blocks bad apps and code on a variety of machines. It’s centrally managed on the server and uses adaptive trusting to exclude new threats without requiring signature updates or labor-intensive list management. This pretty much speaks for itself. If a user tries to install a sketchy program or run some unapproved code, Whitelisting will block it and save the system from any possible harm.
Group policy provides the centralized management and configuration of OS’s, apps, and settings in an A.D. environment. Basically, it controls what users are allowed to do, like enforcing password complexity or restricting the task manager and other Group Policy Objects (GPOs). The Active Directory or third party products like ZENworks can handle the GPO’s for all of the machines. You need to make sure that the GPO handler is reliable and secure to prevent users from bypassing blocks or overriding the system.
Probably the most understood of these, Firewall works in conjunction with your antivirus to control and monitor inbound and outbound IP connections. This is useful to block unknown systems or entities attempting to to talk to your network. Firewall is also a great tool to use if you want to control which apps can connect to the Internet to control updates and sent user information.
Before even thinking about Cloud Antivirus, it’s essential to make sure all of these components are in place to create a truly secure environment. Moreover, once you have a clear understanding of what your security infrastructure is capable of before getting your AV, you will have a better idea of exactly what you need.
To learn more about Cloud Antivirus, visit the following:
Cloud Antivirus Basics
read: Basics & Benefits of Cloud Antivirus
watch: Cloud AntiVirus: the Basics
Choosing the right Cloud Antivirus is NOT Simple
read: Choosing the Right Cloud Antivirus is NOT Simple
watch: Choosing Cloud Antivirus is NOT Simple