Do You Need 3rd-Party Anti-Virus Software for Windows 11?
If you’re a small business owner, safeguarding your business's data is paramount. Yet you might wonder: Is Windows 11's built-in security sufficient, or should you invest in third-party antivirus software?
Let’s Talk About AV Software
There are all kinds of anti-virus software, and we still need it after 40 years of personal computing because … why? Because the operating system is inherently flawed? The premise that you need a 3rd-party to monitor the holes in something seems hokey.
How effective is something that seems to have a built-in demand fulfillment?
How useful is it if it’s not guaranteed to work by its own EULA (End User License Agreement), and nobody is responsible if it fails?
How important is having a product focusing on a computer when threats have evolved away from personal computers and websites? Email? Phishing, infostealers, and browser hijacking?
How effective is something updated in the scope of days or weeks when the significant flaws strike within hours, creating Zero-Day effects?
Why rely on something that isn’t warranted to work? Why do we shrug off AV solutions that fail?
I’d submit that anti-virus software is a passive, reactionary tool. It’s not a proactive response to viruses (writing and testing good, error-free, safe code). It’s something we hope works. So, first, let’s talk about that: an anti-virus is not a foolproof iron shield. Nobody claims it is — yet they insist we need it.
Instead of a supplemental expense to help give us better confidence in a computing platform’s security, why not choose an operating system with a history of writing and testing good, error-free code? Regretably, that’s not Microsoft Windows.
Linux (Apple’s MacOS and ChromeOS) has a better track record. So, if you’re at all interested in security, you should immediately see that Windows (a 35-year-old operating system distributed with the promise of never having to recompile anything since the 1990s) is the antithesis of secure.
Windows 11's Built-in Security Features
But, if you must run Windows, Windows 11 comes equipped with robust security measures designed to protect your system from various threats:
Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Formerly known as Windows Defender, this built-in antivirus solution offers real-time protection against malware, viruses, and spyware. It operates seamlessly in the background, ensuring your system remains secure without additional installations.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, a hardware-based security feature that ensures platform integrity by verifying the boot process and protecting encryption keys. This addition enhances protection against firmware and hardware attacks.
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) and Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI): These features isolate critical parts of the operating system, preventing malicious code from tampering with system defenses.
So long as the user sets a decent password, Windows remains current on its patches, its firewall is activated, and the disk volume is Bitlockered (encrypted), a Windows 11 machine can be trusted with its native security solutions.
Guaranting those state of affairs is the problem without oversight. That’s where Endpoint Management becomes so important.
But viruses aren’t the whole of the security problem.
The Case for Third-Party Antivirus Software
Most modern operating systems (including Windows) have built-in controls that make it difficult to harm the operating system. Security threats, though, have evolved beyond the local operating system. We’re now more at risk of things stealing our information online, from hacks of insecure websites or from aggressors who trick us into going somewhere on the web we shouldn’t.
That’s where 3rd-party products come in.
Advanced Features: Third-party antivirus programs often offer additional functionalities, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), password managers, web filtering, and identity theft protection. These features can provide a more holistic security approach, especially for businesses handling sensitive information.
Specialized Protection: Certain industries or businesses with specific compliance requirements might benefit from the tailored security measures that some third-party solutions provide.
Considerations for Small Businesses
When deciding on your security strategy, consider the following:
Choose the Right Tool: Get down to brass tax. Why continue spending money on flawed software? Choose an operating system with a stronger security and vulnerability remediation track record. Hint: It’s not Microsoft Windows.
Risk Profile: Assess the nature of your business operations. Investing in additional security measures might be prudent if you handle sensitive customer data or intellectual property or have a compliance obligation like HIPAA, FERPA, or GLB.
User Behavior: Educate your team on safe online practices. Human error, such as clicking on phishing links, remains a significant security threat.
System Performance: Some third-party antivirus solutions can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting system performance. Ensure that any additional software integrates smoothly with your existing setup.
There Isn’t a Magic Pill: Anyone who says their anti-virus product solves all problems is lying. There’s no magic pill to fix all ails, and the microcomputer threat environment changes daily. The best security (confidence in our safeguards) comes from a holistic asset management approach beyond paying for a software subscription.
Conclusion
For many small businesses, Windows 11's built-in security features provide a solid foundation against common threats.
However, exploring third-party antivirus solutions could offer additional peace of mind if your business requires advanced security capabilities or operates in a high-risk environment.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your security needs and operational considerations.
What’s good for you? What makes you feel comfortable? We can work out the answers together.
R
