Best Antivirus for Servers – Top 10 Reviewed and Compared for 2024

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The best server antivirus software should protect your server and clients from malicious software and other online threats while being easy to manage. However, picking the most suitable server antivirus software can be daunting with so many products on the market.

We’ve tested the best server antivirus software and compared their features and price to help you find the best antivirus solution for your needs. In this article, we’ll take you through our top 10 recommendations based on our analysis. Keep reading to find out how top solutions like TotalAV, McAfee, Norton, and others can protect your server.

The Best Antivirus for Servers 2024 | Top 10 Shortlist

1. TotalAV — Overall, the Best Antivirus for Servers | Take Advantage of the 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Now.
2. Norton Antivirus — Offers Complete Security for Various Networks at an Affordable Price | Has a Whopping 60-Day Guarantee.
3. Nord Threat Protection — Offers Ample Tools to Ensure Online Security and Privacy.
4. Surfshark Antivirus — Combines an Advanced VPN with Privacy and Malware Protection for Your Server.
5. McAfee — One of the Most Popular Global Antivirus Software Programs for Servers | Try it Now Free for 30 Days.
6. Avast Antivirus Pro — Lightweight Solution for Robust Server Security Tools | Check Out the Month-Long Free Trial.
7. Kaspersky — Great Solution for Comprehensive Server-Grade Security | Test it Free for 30 Days Before Committing.
8. Trend Micro — One of the Best-Regarded Endpoint Solutions on the Market for Data Centers.
9. Intego — Incredibly Easy to Use + Has Advanced Quarantine Features for Mac Servers.
10. Avira — Leading Free Server Antivirus with Affordable Paid Options.

Best Server Antivirus Software | Top 10 Reviewed

Before you decide on the best one, read on for our in-depth reviews of each of our top 10 to get a better idea of what they offer so that you can make an informed decision on the one best suited for your needs.

1. TotalAV — Overall, the Best Antivirus for Servers

TotalAV is a relative newcomer. However, it’s established itself as undoubtedly one of the best antiviruses on the market and certainly a phenomenal option for protecting servers. It boasts many features, multi-device compatibility, and robust network security.

TotalAV stands out with its WebShield, which protects your network and business servers from various online threats, including phishing, ransomware, and scams.

Considering the enormous magnitude of cloud connectivity of modern-day servers and businesses, WebShield can be a lifesaver by acting as your first line of defense against cyberattacks.

Some of the additional features TotalAV offers are:

• • Scheduled and automatic scanning
  • Cookies blocker
  • Data breach monitoring and alerting
  • Wide compatibility
  • On-site and cloud protection

Overall, TotalAV covers your entire network with all-around protection from malicious software and suspicious activity. Offline server protection has made TotalAV one of the most convenient and effective server antivirus programs.

Pricing

Your business can benefit from TotalAV’s comprehensive, all-inclusive Total Security plan, which costs only $49 for the first year. TotalAV also comes with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the solution without any worries.

2. Norton Antivirus — Compatible with Various Network Configurations

Norton is one of the most popular antivirus providers and offers excellent server protection. The Norton suite is available for both Windows and Linux servers. You can use the same tools to manage both systems from a centralized location.

The Norton 360 Deluxe package combines many essential security and system optimization tools within one package. You’ll get a password manager, secured VPN features, parental or access control, and hacking protection.

Norton’s online privacy protection is highly effective at ensuring server security. It uses a secure VPN connection to isolate your system from public Wi-Fi networks or your business network.

Norton also continuously monitors the dark web in real-time to alert your users in case of any identity theft or the possibility of information leakage from your file server for Windows or Linux. Overall, Norton is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes.

Pricing

Norton’s entry-level pricing starts from $9.99/year. This is one of the lowest price points on the market, with security features sufficient for most individuals.

3. Nord Threat Protection — Proactive Online Security Management

Nord Threat Protection is hard to beat when it comes to ensuring the online security of your Linux or Windows servers. Nord scans every bit of information, including all files and websites, before you run, load, view, or download them onto your system.

You can quickly activate the Threat Protection feature from your NordVPN system settings. Plus, Nord Threat Protection offers a URL trimmer, which keeps your online activity confidential and helps you avoid URL tracking. This is perfect for smaller servers or private servers in video games that aren’t supportive of them such as World of Warcraft. With NordVPN, your server’s activity, as well as all of the users connected to it will be completely anonymous.

On top of this, Nord Threat Protection packs excellent real-time protection and scanning capabilities. With the amount of activity that goes on in a server, being protected in real-time is crucial so malicious users can’t get data out of it. However, getting some kind of issue is almost inevitable on a long enough timeframe, which is where Nord’s scanners come in. The antivirus packs extremely powerful, targeted scans which can let you scan just a portion of the server to save on time, all the while eradicating all of the threats on it.

After enabling the built-in ad blocker, you won’t have to view intrusive ads once you visit websites. If your server stays online most of the time — like many modern-day server systems — NordVPN and Nord Threat Protection are effective tools to strengthen your online security.

Pricing

NordVPN or Nord Threat Protection comes with an affordable package. The standard or entry-level package will cost you only $80.73 for the first two years, which translates to just $2.99/month.

NordVPN is always safe to try, as they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Surfshark Antivirus — Solid VPN Solutions and Malware Protection

Surfshark ensures your server security by emphasizing online data protection and proactive virus scanning. Surfshark Antivirus for servers also includes the industry-leading SurfsharkVPN, which keeps your identity confidential and protected online.

Surfshark supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android, so you get unified and highly coordinated privacy and data security across all your devices with your business server network. Furthermore, as it supports up to 5 devices, it’s a great tool to use for smaller server clusters of 3-5 servers. It’s packed with a VPN to ensure your server’s anonymity, which can be incredibly important depending on what your business deals with. On top of this, it’ll block adverts from clogging up your screen and make your browsing experience far smoother.

Surfshark’s proprietary malware prevention system automatically scans every unknown incoming file to protect your system from new or zero-day threats. The server antivirus software also continuously monitors many online listing sites, even from the dark web, to alert you if a data leak occurs. Data leaks can be disastrous for firms, often costing thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is especially true if your admin credentials appear on the dark web. Thankfully Surfshark Antivirus will immediately let you know if this occurs, saving you valuable time to save your credentials.

Pricing

Surfshark pricing is highly budget-friendly because you won’t have to use a separate VPN. If you want to evaluate the platform’s performance closely before committing, you can start with the monthly package at $12.99/per month.

Afterward, you can pay $53.28 for 26 months of subscription, which translates to only $2.05/month.

5. McAfee — Complete Endpoint Security Solutions for Servers

McAfee is one of the most reputable antivirus solutions you can use to safeguard your business or network server. McAfee emphasizes providing exceptionally high-quality privacy protection so that you can keep your identity hidden online.

To give you further peace of mind, McAfee guarantees your online identity and information security with up to $1 million USD in insurance coverage. Plus, you’ll also find McAfee customer support available round the clock.

Your server and connected devices will get a real-time security alert if they ever attempt to visit any scam or phishing website. In fact, the UK-based SE Labs — an independent system security evaluation company — has given McAfee its highest safety rating.

McAfee also offers a comprehensive server-only antivirus solution known as McAfee Server Security Suite Advanced, which works smoothly with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and VMware.

McAfee offers you excellent quality and reliability with its server antivirus system and aims to protect your business from all known and even newer threats.

Pricing

One of the best things about McAfee is the customization it offers. Depending on your server’s needs, you can conveniently choose your features and opt for the best value-for-money option.

On top of this, the sales team can also arrange custom pricing if you want the server-only option.

6. Avast Antivirus Pro — Lightweight Server Security Software

Avast is well-known for its feature-rich and competent free antivirus software for individual users. The company has taken it to the next level with Avast Pro, its server antivirus software solution, which offers all the necessary endpoint security tools for your online and offline server protection.

Some of the core features that make Avast a strong antivirus software tool for servers include:

• • Webcam spying protection for all of your devices
  • Single-click installation for all connected devices
  • Strong security against ransomware
  • eCommerce spam site detection and alert system
  • SandBox protection to run potentially threatening apps in isolation

Avast also has an optional secure browser to protect your online activities from external threats or malicious software. Overall, the Avast antivirus app offers solid features without putting a heavy load on your Windows or Linux server system.

Pricing

You can buy the Avast Premium Security for $39.99 USD in your first year, which is a 49% discount over the yearly renewal price. If you want extended features like Avast AntiTrack or SecureLine VPN, you can get the Avast Ultimate, which protects up to 10 devices.

7. Kaspersky — Cloud-assisted Server Protection

Kaspersky provides one of the most complete threat protection solutions for your network server through proactive detection based on continuous background scanning. Kaspersky also neutralizes the threats immediately upon detection.

Kaspersky has extensive anti-hacking tools that work seamlessly against network-based attacks and ransomware. The core antivirus tools prevent threats like worms, botnets, and rootkits.

In addition to the regular multi-device solutions, Kaspersky also provides dedicated antivirus for Windows servers that supports large-scale deployment. The Kaspersky Security for Windows Server offers cloud-assisted server protection to prevent data loss.

Overall, Kaspersky provides you with some of the most comprehensive server antivirus solutions, and you can deploy them in a private, hosted, or cloud environment.

Pricing

Kaspersky’s basic package will cost you $39.99 for the first year, which you can use on one PC. You can also buy the cloud-based endpoint security for your Windows server at $430.00, which covers up to 10 desktops or file servers and up to 20 mobile devices.

8. Trend Micro — Both Data Center and Cloud-based Implementation

Trend Micro is one of the most extensive server-specific antivirus software solutions that works smoothly for individual and small business users.

For its server edition, Trend Micro has partnered with several cloud infrastructure and solution providers, including Amazon Web Services, VMware, Microsoft Azure, HP Enterprise, IBM, and Google, to bring the most advanced and latest server security features to your business.

Some of the defining features of Trend Micro are:

• • Cloud-migration
  • Cloud-based applications
  • Cyber Risk Index, an assessment tool to evaluate your cybersecurity preparedness

If you want to take your small or medium business’ cybersecurity and hosted server security to the next level, you can safely rely on Trend Micro.

Pricing

Trend Micro will offer you custom pricing based on your business needs if you want the server-only edition. Alternatively, you may subscribe to the basic package for individual devices at $19.95/year.

9. Intego — Advanced Quarantine Features for Mac Servers

Intego is a specialized antivirus solution for Mac systems, though it has now expanded to support Windows servers. Intego offers a full range of standard antivirus features, including real-time protection, virus scanning for all file types, and extremely lightweight performance on Mac.

Intego has various specific features that you can subscribe to based on business needs and use cases. Here are a few of their add-on products:

• • Intego Content barrier for parental and content access restrictions
  • Intego Washing Machine for clearing and optimizing your system
  • Intego VirusBarrier X9 for dedicated server security
  • Intego NetBarrier X9 for extensive network and cloud security

If you have a Mac-dominant server or network system, consider Intego as one of the most reliable server antivirus solutions.

Pricing

Intego individual packages are available for one, 3, and 5 PCs, starting from $29.99/year up to $79.99/year. You can also contact the Intego sales team for custom pricing of the server-specific Intego VirusBarrier X9.

10. Avira — Most Reliable Free Antivirus for Server

Avira has long been considered by individuals and budget-conscious businesses to be one of the most complete free antivirus solutions available. As a server antivirus solution for Windows or Linux, Avira won’t disappoint.

Avira Antivirus Pro packs several advanced features to deal with most modern-day viruses and cybersecurity threats. Those features include:

• • Routine and task automation
  • System optimization tools
  • Real-time virus detection through continuous scanning
  • Anti-phishing that successfully blocks over 8 million phishing attempts every month
  • Real-time file repairing process in case of an unwanted ransomware encryption

Overall, Avast Antivirus Pro is an excellent antivirus software for servers if you want to secure your entire network without a hefty price tag.

Pricing

From the free version, you can upgrade to Avira Antivirus Pro. At $29.99/year, it’s priced lower than many of the top alternatives. You can also go for Ariva Prime for a more comprehensive security solution for your business servers.

Top Antivirus Programs for Business Servers | Top 10 Compared

Now, let’s go through this side-by-side comparison table of the best antiviruses for servers:

Do Servers Need an Antivirus?

Regular computer system users or business managers may sometimes wonder whether their servers need a dedicated antivirus. While it's possible to go without one, this isn't advisable.

Most modern-day server systems come equipped with some form of security, but these built-in defenses aren't foolproof. Hackers can and do exploit servers without antivirus protection.

In most cases, the compromised servers don't have the latest security updates, which leaves them vulnerable to attack. A good antivirus program can help to patch up any security holes in your system and protect your data from being compromised.

It's always better to be safe than sorry, so we recommend installing an antivirus program on your server. Here are some compelling reasons to strengthen your network security with good server antivirus software.

Security Breaches Are Expensive

Any security breach on your system can be costly in terms of money and time. You may have to pay for damages, and you will have to spend time and resources fixing the problem. There can be instances when the damage or loss of data is irreversible. In addition, the loss of confidential client data may cause legal troubles.

Prevention of Data Loss

A breach can also result in the loss of critical data for businesses. The range of data impacted can include customer data, financial information, marketing leads, and intellectual property. And, in the case of a server, all of the connected nodes can also lose their data, which you may not recover.

Protection Against Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that can encrypt your data and demand a ransom for the decryption key. Ransomware makes it almost impossible to access your valuable data. Most modern-day antivirus programs include ransomware prevention, which is typically much more robust than your built-in server security tools.

Optimization of System Performance

Antivirus programs can also help optimize your system's performance. This is because they can remove malware and other unwanted programs that can slow down your system. A slow system will continue to waste your organizational resources, including hours, bandwidth, electricity, and processing power.

 Exposure of Connected Nodes

As servers are typically connected with multiple nodes or clients, a security breach on your server can also expose those systems. Many antivirus systems come with the Sandbox feature that detects and isolates a security threat before it spreads to other systems.

Overall, a specialized antivirus for your server will provide better protection than a general-purpose program or built-in security mechanisms. Also, as servers are usually more expensive than regular computers, the investment will be worth it in the long run.

How to Set Up a Server Antivirus

Here’s a quick overview of how you can get set up with our top pick, TotalAV, to secure your business server.

Step 1 — Download TotalAV

Head over to TotalAV's website to download the setup file and authorize it (allow it to make changes to your system) for installation.

Step 2 — Complete the Installation Process

Step 3 — Start Your First Scan

Lastly, you'll want to click 'Start Scan' once the installation is completed.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Server Antivirus

Considering the stakes, you must be careful when choosing the best server antivirus for your business. The wrong decision could cost you money and jeopardize the safety of your client’s data.

Below are some of the most critical factors you should consider when picking the best server antivirus.

Full Range of Threat Protection

Your system server may have to deal with different types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware. To be on the safe side, you should go for an antivirus that can protect against all threats.

The best server antivirus will also have a robust firewall to protect your system from external attacks.

Ease of Management

Not all server antiviruses are easy to manage. Some are pretty technical, and you may need the help of an expert to set them up and keep them running. The best server antivirus should be easy to install and configure.

Ideally, it should also have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to monitor the system and make changes when needed.

Performance

Your server's antivirus must not slow down your system. It should have a minimal impact on performance while still providing comprehensive protection. The best server antivirus should strike a balance between security and performance.

Also, you should ensure that your existing system can run the antivirus and all the features smoothly. Otherwise, you may have to pay for expensive system configuration updates.

Update Frequency

The best server antivirus provider should always provide up-to-date security features and patches to deal with the latest security threats. It should have a robust update mechanism that can quickly download and install new definitions as they become available.

New online threats are emerging daily, so automatic and frequent system updates are essential to keep your server secure.

Implementation Support

You should be able to get expert help when you need it, whether you're setting up the system for the first time or dealing with an unexpected issue. The best server antivirus vendor will offer comprehensive and ongoing support, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Value for Money

The best server antivirus should offer excellent value. It should have all the necessary features to keep your server safe without breaking the bank. Of course, price isn't the only factor you should consider, but it's a major one, especially if you're on a tight budget and want a solid ROI from your business investment.

A careful evaluation of these factors will help you find the best antivirus app for your server.

Server Antivirus FAQs