What antivirus features matter most for a small accounting firm?

[MiaM]

I run a small accounting firm from home, and after a recent malware scare that locked one of our client files, I'm reevaluating our basic antivirus software, which clearly wasn't enough. I'm overwhelmed by the options, from comprehensive endpoint protection suites to more lightweight solutions, and I'm not sure what level of defense is necessary for a business of our size that handles sensitive financial data. For other small business owners or IT consultants, what specific features should I prioritize in antivirus software beyond just virus scanning? How do you balance robust protection with system performance, and what has been your experience with the customer support and threat response times of the major providers?

[JasonAP]

Beyond scanning, prioritize endpoint detection and response (EDR/XDR), device control, application allowlisting, and robust patch management. Also include email phishing protection, web filtering, and cloud backup. In practice, I want solutions with centralized management, low overhead, and clear rollback options if a rollout causes issues.

[Jacob90]

Backup first: 3-2-1 rule, air-gapped/offline copies, test restore quarterly, and ensure backups cover emails, files, and databases. Ransomware detection with tamper alerts helps too.

[Jason_L]

For small shops, Defender for Endpoint + Defender for Office 365 (if using Microsoft 365) gives integrated protection and straightforward licensing; CrowdStrike/SentinelOne are strong but pricier; Sophos Intercept X can be good for mixed environments. The decision often comes down to whether you want a managed service or in-house admin time. Recommend trials, check performance on your network, ensure backup and disaster recovery plan are robust, and check for ransomware-specific features (rollback of encrypted files, tamper resistance).