### Contents - [**Articles**](#resources-articles) - [**Glossary Terms**](#resources-glossary_terms) - [**Discussions**](#resources-discussions) - [**Reports**](#resources-reports) # Antivirus Software Resources ##### Articles, Glossary Terms, Discussions, and Reports to expand your knowledge on Antivirus Software Resource pages are designed to give you a cross-section of information we have on specific categories. You'll find [articles](#resources-articles) from our experts, [feature definitions](#resources-glossary_terms), [discussions](#resources-discussions) from users like you, and [reports](#resources-reports) from industry data. [ContentsExpand/Collapse Contents](#) - [**Articles**](#resources-articles) - [**Glossary Terms**](#resources-glossary_terms) - [**Discussions**](#resources-discussions) - [**Reports**](#resources-reports) ## Antivirus Software Articles [![8 Best Free Ransomware Protection Software in 2024](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI1051_Learn_Article_Images_%5Bbest_ransomware_protection_software%5D_V1a.png "8 Best Free Ransomware Protection Software in 2024")](https://www.g2.com/articles/free-ransomware-protection-software) [ ### 8 Best Free Ransomware Protection Software in 2024 ](https://www.g2.com/articles/free-ransomware-protection-software) Hackers are getting craftier and more creative every quarter. Establishing and maintaining the security of your data requires powerful, reliable tools, and many of them will test your budget. [ ![Shreya Mattoo](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Shreya Mattoo") SM ](https://learn.g2.com/author/shreya-mattoo) by Shreya Mattoo [![What Is an Operating System? Types of OS and Functions](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/operating%20system.png "What Is an Operating System? Types of OS and Functions")](https://www.g2.com/articles/operating-system) [ ### What Is an Operating System? Types of OS and Functions ](https://www.g2.com/articles/operating-system) If you’re anything like me, you have at least 20 browser tabs open, along with a couple of spreadsheets and probably some music. [ ![Sudipto Paul](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sudipto Paul") SP ](https://learn.g2.com/author/sudipto-paul) by Sudipto Paul [![What Is Spyware? How to Protect Yourself Against It](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_FI175_Learn_Article_Images-%5BSpyware%5D_V1b.png "What Is Spyware? How to Protect Yourself Against It")](https://www.g2.com/articles/spyware) [ ### What Is Spyware? How to Protect Yourself Against It ](https://www.g2.com/articles/spyware) Many people and companies handle your personal information.  [ ![Sagar Joshi](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sagar Joshi") SJ ](https://learn.g2.com/author/sagar-joshi) by Sagar Joshi [![Securing the Remote Workforce with UEM Software](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/empty%20office.jpg "Securing the Remote Workforce with UEM Software")](https://www.g2.com/articles/uem-software-secures-remote-workforce) [ ### Securing the Remote Workforce with UEM Software ](https://www.g2.com/articles/uem-software-secures-remote-workforce) In organizations today, employees not only use company devices to access sensitive work-related data, but also personal devices. Some companies don’t even issue company devices, but instead, follow the bring your own device (BYOD) approach to save on hardware costs. Also, employees use a wide variety of operating systems (OS), such as Windows OS, macOS, IoS, Android, and different web OS.  [ ![Tian Lin](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Tian Lin") TL ](https://learn.g2.com/author/tian-lin) by Tian Lin [![Computer Viruses Return As the Coronavirus Continues to Spread](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/computer%20virus.jpg "Computer Viruses Return As the Coronavirus Continues to Spread")](https://www.g2.com/articles/computer-viruses-return-as-coronavirus-spread-continues) [ ### Computer Viruses Return As the Coronavirus Continues to Spread ](https://www.g2.com/articles/computer-viruses-return-as-coronavirus-spread-continues) In a pinch of irony, the same week that the coronavirus was making headlines, it was announced that the first new computer virus in years was wreaking havoc in Europe, Russia, and India. [ ![Aaron Walker](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Aaron Walker") AW ](https://learn.g2.com/author/aaron-walker) by Aaron Walker [![How Small Business Employees are Adjusting to Remote Work](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/man-sitting-down-and-using-his-laptop-374085.jpg "How Small Business Employees are Adjusting to Remote Work")](https://www.g2.com/articles/small-business-employees-remote-work-experiences) [ ### How Small Business Employees are Adjusting to Remote Work ](https://www.g2.com/articles/small-business-employees-remote-work-experiences) G2 is constantly following the evolving B2B tech industry, especially during this uncertain time. As part of a series of articles based on a recent survey we conducted, G2 analysts have highlighted some key issues and statistics about what small business employees are facing while working from home, along with possible tools and courses of action everyone can take away. [ ![Nathan Calabrese](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Nathan Calabrese") NC ](https://learn.g2.com/author/nathan-calabrese) by Nathan Calabrese [![How to Strengthen Remote Workforce Security During Crises](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_BI209_Backlog_Images_%5BRemote_security%5D_V1a.png "How to Strengthen Remote Workforce Security During Crises")](https://www.g2.com/articles/how-to-strengthen-remote-workforce-security) [ ### How to Strengthen Remote Workforce Security During Crises ](https://www.g2.com/articles/how-to-strengthen-remote-workforce-security) The coronavirus health crisis has forced millions of workers (who are able) to transition to working from home. That poses numerous obstacles to workers meeting their deadlines and doing their jobs. Security management and enforcement have become some of the most important and critical transitional needs involved for both workers and their employers.  [ ![Aaron Walker](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Aaron Walker") AW ](https://learn.g2.com/author/aaron-walker) by Aaron Walker [![Don’t Fall Prey to Spear Phishing: Protect Yourself Now](https://sell.g2.com/hubfs/spear-phishing-1.png "Don’t Fall Prey to Spear Phishing: Protect Yourself Now")](https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-spear-phishing) [ ### Don’t Fall Prey to Spear Phishing: Protect Yourself Now ](https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-spear-phishing) Everyone wants to keep their information safe. [ ![Alexa Drake](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Alexa Drake") AD ](https://learn.g2.com/author/alexa-drake) by Alexa Drake [![What Is Fileless Malware and How Do Attacks Occur?](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_BI066_Backlog_Images_%5BFileless_Malware%5D_V1a.png "What Is Fileless Malware and How Do Attacks Occur?")](https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-fileless-malware-and-how-attacks-occur) [ ### What Is Fileless Malware and How Do Attacks Occur? ](https://www.g2.com/articles/what-is-fileless-malware-and-how-attacks-occur) Fileless malware attacks are on the rise as more hackers use it to disguise their nefarious activities. These threats leverage a computer’s existing, whitelisted applications and computing power against itself. This is what security professionals refer to as “live off the land” threats.  [ ![Aaron Walker](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Aaron Walker") AW ](https://learn.g2.com/author/aaron-walker) by Aaron Walker Show More ## Antivirus Software Glossary Terms [![Unified Threat Management](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI777_Glossary_Article_Images-%5Bunified_threat_management%5D_V1b.png "Unified Threat Management")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/unified-threat-management-definition) [Unified Threat Management](https://www.g2.com/glossary/unified-threat-management-definition) Unified threat management (UTM) consolidates a company's network security tools into one appliance. Learn how UTM works, its core features, and benefits. by Shreesh Singh [![Zero-Day Attack](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI860_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bzero-day_attack%5D_V1b.png "Zero-Day Attack")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/zero-day-attack-definition) [Zero-Day Attack](https://www.g2.com/glossary/zero-day-attack-definition) What is a zero-day attack and why is it important as a software feature? Our G2 guide can help you understand zero-day attacks. by Rachana Hasyagar [![Cloud File Storage](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI808_Glossary_Article_Images-%5Bcloud_file_storage%5D_V1a.png "Cloud File Storage")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/cloud-file-storage-definition) [Cloud File Storage](https://www.g2.com/glossary/cloud-file-storage-definition) Cloud file storage provides a shared file system to store data on the cloud, making it easily accessible for users. Learn about its types and benefits. by Sagar Joshi [![Mobile Data Security](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI685_Glossary_Article_Images-%5Bmobile_data_security%5D_V1a.png "Mobile Data Security")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/mobile-data-security-definition) [Mobile Data Security](https://www.g2.com/glossary/mobile-data-security-definition) Mobile data security protects mobile business assets from cybersecurity threats. Learn more about mobile data security best practices and benefits. by Holly Landis [![Mobile Device Management](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI615_Glossary_Article_Images_%5Bmobile_device_management%5D_V1a.png "Mobile Device Management")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/mobile-device-management-definition) [Mobile Device Management](https://www.g2.com/glossary/mobile-device-management-definition) Businesses use mobile device management to protect data. Learn the benefits and limitations of MDM and how it differs from enterprise mobility management. by Alyssa Towns [![Rootkit](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI579_Glossary_Article_Images_%5BRootkit%5D_V1b.png "Rootkit")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/rootkit-definition) [Rootkit](https://www.g2.com/glossary/rootkit-definition) Rootkits are malicious software programs that can be installed on devices. Learn how to identify rootkits, the different types, and how to avoid them. by Holly Landis [![Network Security](https://learn.g2.com/hubfs/G2CM_GI242_Glossary_Article_Images_-_%5BNetwork_Security%5D_V1a.png "Network Security")](https://www.g2.com/glossary/network-security-definition) [Network Security](https://www.g2.com/glossary/network-security-definition) Network security includes the strategies, software, and devices used to protect technological systems. Learn more about specific types and best practices. by Kelly Fiorini ## Antivirus Software Discussions 0 [Which antivirus gives the strongest ransomware protection for a small home office setup where losing files would be genuinely catastrophic?](/discussions/which-antivirus-gives-the-strongest-ransomware-protection-for-a-small-home-office-setup-where-losing-files-would-be-genuinely-catastrophic) Hi G2. When files are irreplaceable and losing them would be genuinely catastrophic, ransomware protection for a small home office is really two jobs: stopping the attack, and being able to recover if something slips through. I leaned toward products that do both, drawn from the [Antivirus](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus) category, and here are the tools that stood out to me: - [**ThreatDown**](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) (4.6/5, 1,088 reviews) builds on nearly two decades of Malwarebytes anti-ransomware work, and reviewers describe it stopping targeted ransomware outright. Its built-in ransomware rollback is the standout here, letting you recover encrypted files rather than just blocking the attack. - [**Webroot Business Endpoint Protection**](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) (4.5/5, 532 reviews) offers journaling and rollback remediation that reviewers value for returning drives to their pre-infection state, which is exactly the safety net a catastrophic-loss scenario calls for. - [**Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool**](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-anti-ransomware-tool/reviews) (4.4/5, 45 reviews) is a free, lightweight, behavior-based ransomware blocker that reviewers say runs alongside your existing antivirus without conflict. One former ransomware victim called it real peace of mind. Note the same reputational questions that follow Kaspersky apply here too. - [**Acronis Cyber Protect**](https://www.g2.com/products/acronis-acronis-cyber-protect/reviews) (4.3/5, 742 reviews) takes the backup-first route, combining antivirus with backup and one-click recovery so that if the worst happens you restore from a clean copy. Reviewers love the all-in-one approach, though a few note it can feel complex and heavier on older machines. For a "losing files would be a disaster" setup, honestly the winning move is layered: strong real-time blocking plus a genuine backup or rollback you've actually tested. Have you had to recover from ransomware, and did rollback or a separate backup save you? And is anyone here running a dedicated backup tool alongside their AV? I'd add a caution from the recovery stories: rollback features get praised right up until the encryption event is bigger than the rollback cache, which is why a separate backup keeps coming up as the thing that actually saved files. If losing files is catastrophic, I'd treat the AV choice as the second decision and a tested offline or cloud backup as the first. The AV that blocks 99 percent still leaves the last percent to your backup. Answered: Shreesh Singh on July 22, 2026 [Your answer](/discussions/which-antivirus-gives-the-strongest-ransomware-protection-for-a-small-home-office-setup-where-losing-files-would-be-genuinely-catastrophic/comments/new?remote=true) 0 [Which antivirus is best for a Windows laptop that needs solid real-time protection without slowing the machine down to a crawl?](/discussions/which-antivirus-is-best-for-a-windows-laptop-that-needs-solid-real-time-protection-without-slowing-the-machine-down-to-a-crawl) If you want a Windows laptop antivirus that gives real-time protection but doesn't turn the machine into a slideshow, that push and pull between protection and performance is exactly where most people get stuck. I pulled the picks G2 reviewers most consistently praise on both counts, drawn from the [Antivirus](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus) category, with each product's G2 rating alongside. - [**Sophos Endpoint**](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) (4.7 stars, 834 reviews) gets strong marks for set-and-forget protection that runs quietly in the background, with deep-learning detection catching threats signatures miss. One honest caveat worth knowing: several reviewers note the agent can spike CPU on older or lower-spec laptops during a full scan, so it leans best on a reasonably modern machine. - [**ESET PROTECT**](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews) (4.6 stars, 1,002 reviews) comes up again and again for being light on resources, with reviewers saying machines run just as fast as before with no noticeable slowdown even during scans. - [**ThreatDown**](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) (4.6 stars, 1,088 reviews) runs a lightweight agent that reviewers say causes minimal interruption and no real performance hit while still stopping malware and ransomware. If you want strong detection that stays out of your way, it's a common pick. - [**Webroot Business Endpoint Protection**](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) (4.5 stars, 532 reviews) is about as light as it gets, running quietly with fast scans and real-time protection. Reviewers repeatedly call it unobtrusive and note it doesn't drag devices down, though a few feel its detection tech is showing its age. Which way are you leaning, the absolute lightest footprint or the strongest detection? And has anyone tested these on a mid-range laptop specifically? On the mid-range laptop question: reviews rarely name hardware, which is exactly why I'd trust the free-trial route here. Install the two finalists for a week each and watch boot time and fan noise, since the footprint complaints in reviews cluster around real-time scans during startup. Detection differences between the big names are smaller than the performance differences reviewers describe. Answered: Shreesh Singh on July 22, 2026 [Your answer](/discussions/which-antivirus-is-best-for-a-windows-laptop-that-needs-solid-real-time-protection-without-slowing-the-machine-down-to-a-crawl/comments/new?remote=true) 0 [Is it better to get an internet security suite or a standalone antivirus for a gaming PC where performance matters as much as protection?](/discussions/is-it-better-to-get-an-internet-security-suite-or-a-standalone-antivirus-for-a-gaming-pc-where-performance-matters-as-much-as-protection) Is it better to get an internet security suite or a standalone antivirus for a gaming PC where performance matters as much as protection? For a roundup on [antivirus software](https://www.g2.com/categories/antivirus) I've been weighing the tradeoff: a standalone antivirus is lighter and stays out of the way, while a full internet security suite adds firewall, VPN, and web tools at the cost of more running in the background. A few product reviewers rate the performance of Kaspersky AntiVirus, Webroot Business Endpoint Protection, and Avast Small Business Cybersecurity highly. - [**Kaspersky AntiVirus**](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-antivirus/reviews) (4.5 stars, 95 reviews) is the standalone-leaning option that also sells fuller suites, so you can start light and add features. Reviewers highlight low system impact. - [**Webroot Business Endpoint Protection**](https://www.g2.com/products/webroot-business-endpoint-protection/reviews) (4.5 stars, 532 reviews) is the lightest option here by reputation, which is the standalone philosophy taken to its extreme, good when you want minimal background load. - [**Avast Small Business Cybersecurity**](https://www.g2.com/products/avast-small-business-cybersecurity/reviews) (4.4 stars, 102 reviews) sits on the suite side with more tools, and reviewers still call it lightweight, though a couple noted background bandwidth use. - [**360 Total Security**](https://www.g2.com/products/360-total-security/reviews) (4.3 stars, 46 reviews) bundles optimization and cleanup tools like a suite, which some gamers like for tuning the machine. The short version from the reviews: if raw performance is the priority, the lighter standalone approach wins; if you want the firewall and extras in one place, the suite is worth the small overhead. For the gamers here, do you run a dedicated game mode, or just a light standalone and call it done? Game mode mostly controls notifications, not resource use, so a suite with game mode can still cost you more frames than a light standalone without one. If performance is the whole point, I'd pick the standalone and let Windows' built-in firewall do its job. The suite earns its overhead only if you'd actually use the VPN and extras rather than just owning them. Answered: Shreesh Singh on July 22, 2026 [Your answer](/discussions/is-it-better-to-get-an-internet-security-suite-or-a-standalone-antivirus-for-a-gaming-pc-where-performance-matters-as-much-as-protection/comments/new?remote=true) - [‹ Prev‹ Prev](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=3) - [1](/categories/antivirus/resources) - [2](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=2) - [3](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=3) - 4 - [5](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=5) - [6](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=6) - [7](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=7) - [8](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=8) - … - [45](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=45) - [46](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=46) - [Next ›Next ›](/categories/antivirus/resources?discussions_page=5) ## Antivirus Software Reports Mid-Market Grid® Report for Antivirus Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Grid® Report for Antivirus Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Enterprise Grid® Report for Antivirus Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Momentum Grid® Report for Antivirus Summer 2026 G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report Small-Business Grid® Report for Antivirus Summer 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Enterprise Grid® Report for Antivirus Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Small-Business Grid® Report for Antivirus Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Mid-Market Grid® Report for Antivirus Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Grid® Report for Antivirus Spring 2026 G2 Report: Grid® Report Momentum Grid® Report for Antivirus Spring 2026 G2 Report: Momentum Grid® Report