Viruses… spyware… hackers… identity thieves… corporate espionage… The security of the data on computer systems is under constant attack. Few small businesses can afford a dedicated computer security team. The popular solution is security software that monitors activity, identifies any funny business, and stops it cold. McAfee came to prominence with a virus-killer, but has matured to offer an all-around safeguard, including firewall protection, data security and more. If you’ll use McAfee, keep in mind…

1. McAfee products update themselves automatically to re-equip for new threats, such as the latest viruses. If you don’t keep up with your license, the threats will soon outpace your version.
2. McAfee’s automated operation saves you hiring a dedicated security expert. Still, it’s important to have someone in your company experienced with McAfee and well versed in security, to keep an eye on things.
3. Your type of business may be under specific legal security requirements, such as Sarbanes-Oxley. McAfee can help with meeting such requirements, but is not guaranteed to make you compliant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know your enemies

Where is your business most vulnerable? Do you exchange critical private information by email and thus need email protection? Do you store customer, financial, or proprietary technical info on your server and so need protection from hackers? Just what are the biggest threats to your system?

I recommend: GreenPages offers vulnerability assessment services that find weak spots in your security, and Saint vulnerability scanner software similarly analyzes your systems to identify threats. AlertSite offers a 30-day free trial of its online vulnerability scanning.

Compare McAfee products

Once you know what to worry about, explore the McAfee family. Depending on your security needs, you may need only one or more standalone products for countering specific threats, such as viruses, or you may opt for an all-in-one package designed to cover every known risk. Get as much security as your budget will bear.

I recommend: Check out an overview of all McAfee security products, and examine the chart that compares different versions of its all-in-one 'Total Protection' solution. View the Total Protection demo for small business.

See what others say

Even if you're already sold on McAfee, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about its strengths and weaknesses. Are there problems you need to be on the lookout for? Is there another product you should deploy with McAfee to make it work better?

I recommend: Read a PC World review comparing McAfee to other options and PC Magazine review analyzing McAfee itself. See what folks are saying in the users group.

Take a trial run

You can try any McAfee solution free for 30 days. Make sure you try before you buy.

I recommend: Download the Total Protection package for small business 30-day trial.

Shop around

Prices for all McAfee products vary by retailer.

I recommend: See what Pricegrabber.com comes up with for Total Protection at various retailers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're not sure about taking the plunge into Total Protection, try one or two McAfee products, such as AntiVirus, as a pilot.
• •  Consider having your security assessed independently from time to time, to make sure McAfee is doing its job.
• •  Keep up with the news about new security threats. McAfee may not address them right away, so you must know what to do to protect your company in the meantime.