Endpoint security has become a cornerstone of corporate cybersecurity, with the endpoint being the individual employee and their computer. Recognizing that employees often represent the most vulnerable point in the cybersecurity chain, IT departments increasingly depend on robust tools such as security software and remote-access VPN services to shield their organizations from potential threats. The stakes are high; compromised systems or unauthorized access to sensitive data can lead to significant repercussions. This necessity for protection extends beyond traditional office environments, as remote workers also face risks, with malware capable of incapacitating critical systems for extended periods.
For businesses eager to safeguard their data, the question arises: which vendors can be trusted with their security needs? As part of our Business Choice franchise, we sought insights from PCMag readers and IT managers, asking them to evaluate the antivirus and security suites they utilize on their work PCs. The results reveal the brands that come highly recommended.
The Top Work-From-Home Security Software Brand for 2024
When it comes to securing a desktop or laptop used for work at home, users typically have two primary options: a standalone antivirus program focused solely on detecting malware, or a comprehensive security suite that offers a broader range of protections, including firewalls and spam filters. In this arena, PCMag readers have made a clear choice. Bitdefender continues to shine as a long-standing winner of the Business Choice award, having secured its position as the top security suite for work once again in 2024. It excels in nearly every category, although it falls short of Norton in terms of tech support.
Last year’s champion, Trend Micro, does not make the cut in this year’s Business Choice Awards but does receive a Readers’ Choice Award for its consumer-focused security solutions. Interestingly, while Norton outperforms the free offering from Microsoft in overall satisfaction and recommendation likelihood, the preferences of working individuals seem to lean towards paid solutions—except in the case of McAfee.
Regarding standalone antivirus options, a majority of survey participants expressed a preference for full security suites, making the winner clear. Malwarebytes stands tall above its competitors, significantly ahead of Microsoft in both overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
The Top IT-Managed Security Software Brand for 2024
In the previous year’s ranking of IT-managed security software, Bitdefender emerged as the frontrunner, claiming the inaugural Business Choice Award for this category. In 2024, the company successfully defends its title, securing the award for a second consecutive year. The only notable competitor this year is Microsoft, which saw a slight decline in its ratings compared to 2023, when it tied with Bitdefender for overall satisfaction. However, this year, the gap between the two has widened, with IT managers awarding Bitdefender top marks across all surveyed categories, particularly praising its setup and reliability.
The Top Remote Access VPN Brand for 2024
While remote access VPN services are often assigned to users rather than chosen, they still receive commendable ratings. This year’s standout tool is GlobalProtect, the client-side name for the secure network service provided by Palo Alto Networks. GlobalProtect excels in every category except reliability, where it slightly trails second-place SonicWall. The two companies are closely matched in several categories, including performance and internet speed, indicating that SonicWall remains a solid option despite its second-place finish. Ultimately, Palo Alto Networks takes the lead in overall satisfaction, earning the Business Choice Award.
The Top IT-Managed VPN Brand for 2024
Survey results reveal a notable disparity in opinions regarding VPNs in the workplace, particularly between IT managers who deploy the software and the employees who utilize it. Interestingly, the vendor rated lowest by users is the top choice among IT managers. In a competitive field, Cisco emerges as the preferred option, edging out SonicWall with slightly more favorable ratings. Cisco leads in every category where both companies were evaluated, including reliability, ease of use, and internet speed during operation. Consequently, Cisco is the brand that IT managers should prioritize when considering security software deployment across their organizations.
The PCMag Readers’ Choice survey for Antivirus and Security Suites, alongside a separate survey on VPNs, was conducted from September 10 to November 4, 2024. For further details on our survey methodology, please refer to the provided information.
