The Best Cybersecurity Software for Small Businesses in 2025

Cybersecurity has never been more critical for small businesses (SMBs). In 2025, cyber threats will continue to evolve, with ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and data breaches becoming more sophisticated. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the robust security infrastructure of larger corporations, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.

According to Crime Canada Statistics, there were over 41,000 cybercrimes in the first six months of 2024. 56% of these cyberattacks were fraud, highlighting the urgent need for strong digital defences.

Choosing the right cybersecurity software is one of the most effective ways to protect your business. But with so many options available, how do you know which is best? Our team of expert IT providers have compiled our knowledge and resources into this guide for you. This guide will help small business owners, IT managers, and decision-makers navigate the top cybersecurity solutions in 2025 by exploring:

• Key features to look for in cybersecurity software
• Best cybersecurity tools for small businesses
• How to choose the right solution based on your business’s needs

We have compared a variety of cybersecurity software for your benefit. To make the most of this software, consider working with a managed service provider (MSP) like us at RevNet, where we utilize our comprehensive cybersecurity knowledge and can provide you with the ideal software for your business and help you maintain your company’s cybersecurity. 

Key Features to Look for in Cybersecurity Software

Not all cybersecurity software is created equally. When evaluating the best solution for your business, consider these essential features: 

1. Comprehensive Protection

The best cybersecurity software provides multi-layered protection, including:

• Antivirus and anti-malware: Detects and removes harmful software.
• Firewall: Blocks unauthorized network access.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Monitors devices for suspicious activity.
• Ransomware protection: Prevents and mitigates encryption-based attacks.

2. Ease of Use

SMBs often lack dedicated IT teams, so cybersecurity software should be easy to set up and manage. Look for those that have the following key features, including:

• User-friendly: A dashboard with simple navigation.
• Automated updates: To keep security features up to date.
• Minimal technical expertise: Required to deploy and maintain.

3. Scalability

As your business grows, so do your cybersecurity needs. The best security solutions include:

• Support multiple devices and locations without performance slowdowns.
• Offer flexible pricing plans that adapt to business size.
• Integrate with additional security tools as needed.

4. Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Solutions

Small businesses must choose between:

• Cloud-based security: No hardware is required, it’s accessible from anywhere, and there are automatic updates.
• On-premise security: Greater control over data but requires IT management and infrastructure.

Which one is better?

• Cloud-based solutions: ideal for businesses with remote teams and limited IT resources.
• On-premise solutions: these work best for industries with strict data privacy regulations.

5. Compliance & Regulatory Needs

If your business handles customer data, payment information, or health records, cybersecurity software should support compliance with the following:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Data privacy regulations for European businesses.
• The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect sensitive health information in Canada and the U.S., respectively.
• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): Security standards for businesses processing credit card payments.

Failure to meet compliance requirements can result in fines and reputational damage, making security software with built-in compliance features a wise investment.

6. Integration with Business Tools

The best cybersecurity software should seamlessly integrate with the tools your business already uses, such as:

• Microsoft 365 & Google Workspace: Email security and data protection.
• CRM & collaboration tools: Protects sensitive customer and business data.
• Cloud storage services (Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive): Secures files from unauthorized access.

You can enhance security without disrupting workflows by choosing a cybersecurity solution that integrates with your existing business ecosystem.

The Top Cybersecurity Software for Small Businesses in 2025

1. Best All-in-One Security Suite: SentinelOne

SentinelOne is the best all-in-one security suite, offering AI-driven threat detection, endpoint protection, and automated response in a single platform. SentinelOne is an excellent choice for its autonomous threat hunting, real-time analytics, and rapid rollback capabilities, which minimize damage from cyberattacks. Unlike traditional security suites, it uses machine learning to detect threats without relying on signature-based detection, making it more effective against zero-day attacks. Pricing varies based on business needs, but it offers strong ROI with its proactive security approach.

Alternatives

Two close alternatives are CrowdStrike Falcon, known for its cloud-native threat intelligence, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which integrates seamlessly with Windows environments.

2. Best Endpoint Protection Solution: Cisco

Cisco Secure Endpoint is the best endpoint protection solution, offering AI-powered threat detection, automated response, and seamless integration with enterprise security systems. We chose Cisco for its robust malware prevention, real-time analytics, and cloud-native approach, which ensures minimal system impact while providing advanced protection. Unlike many competitors, Cisco uses machine learning to detect evolving threats before they cause harm. Pricing varies based on business size and needs, making it scalable. 

Alternatives

Two strong alternatives are CrowdStrike Falcon, known for its cloud-based endpoint security and rapid threat response, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, which offers deep integration with Windows environments.

3. Best Email Security & Phishing Protection: Abnormal

Abnormal is the best email security and phishing protection solution, using AI-driven behavioural analysis to detect and block sophisticated threats. We chose Abnormal for its advanced ability to identify social engineering attacks, business email compromise (BEC), and phishing attempts with high accuracy. Unlike traditional email filters, it analyzes the context and user behaviour to prevent evolving threats. Pricing varies based on business needs, but reducing security risks is perhaps one of the most cost-effective steps you can take. 

Alternatives

Two close alternatives are Proofpoint, which provides comprehensive email security with detailed threat intelligence, and Mimecast, which is known for its robust email filtering and ransomware protection capabilities.

4. Best Ransomware Protection Software: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is the best ransomware protection software, offering advanced threat defence, real-time monitoring, and multi-layered ransomware protection. We chose Bitdefender for its superior malware detection rates, minimal system impact, and AI-driven behavioural analysis that stops ransomware before it encrypts files. Unlike many competitors, Bitdefender includes anti-phishing and secure browsing features, adding extra layers of security. At around $29.99 per year, it provides excellent value for individuals and businesses. 

Alternatives

Two strong alternatives are Norton 360, known for its comprehensive security suite, and Malwarebytes Premium, which excels in detecting and removing ransomware with its specialized anti-malware technology.

5. Best Free Cybersecurity Software for Small Businesses: Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP)

Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is the best free cybersecurity software for small businesses, offering powerful web application security testing without the high costs of commercial tools. We chose ZAP for its open-source nature, user-friendly interface, and active community support. Unlike many free alternatives, ZAP provides automated vulnerability scanning and penetration testing capabilities, making it a robust choice for small businesses. Best of all, it’s completely free, eliminating budget concerns. 

6. Best VPN for Secure Remote Work: NordVPN

NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for secure remote work due to its strong encryption, fast speeds, and global server network. We chose NordVPN for its advanced security features, including Double VPN and Threat Protection, which safeguard sensitive business data. Unlike many competitors, NordVPN balances security and performance without significant speed loss. It’s cost-effective, with plans starting at around $3.99/month, making it accessible for professionals and teams.

Alternatives

Two close alternatives are ExpressVPN, known for its speed and reliability, and Surfshark, which offers unlimited device connections at a lower price while maintaining solid security standards.

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Software for Your Business

Selecting the right cybersecurity software can feel overwhelming, especially with many available options. However, working with an MSP like RevNet can significantly help streamline the decision process and ensure you make the best choice for your business. We can help you make the best decision by looking at your business size, security needs, and budget. Here’s how we find the best fit for your company:

1. Assess Your Business Size and Security Needs

• How many employees do you have? Small teams may only need a simple antivirus and firewall, while larger businesses might require endpoint protection and network monitoring.
• What type of data do you handle? Businesses managing customer payment details, medical records, or confidential business data need stronger protection with encryption and compliance-ready security.
• Do you have remote workers? If employees work outside the office, VPNs and cloud security solutions are a must to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Determine Your Budget (Paid vs. Free Solutions)

• Free cybersecurity tools: Essential protection but often lack advanced features like ransomware defence, AI-driven threat detection, and compliance support.
• Paid security solutions: These offer multi-layered protection, automatic updates, and customer support, which is critical for small businesses that can’t afford downtime due to cyber threats.
• Consider a cost-benefit analysis: A small investment in better security can prevent expensive breaches later.

3. Look at Customer Support Options

Cybersecurity threats don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, so your security provider should offer 24/7 customer support. Look for providers who can provide the following:

• Live chat or phone support is available for urgent issues.
• Comprehensive knowledge base and self-help training.
• Regular security updates and alerts to stay ahead of new threats.

4. Test with Free Trials and Demos Before Committing

Many cybersecurity providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these to test for what works best for your business. Review the following:

• Evaluate the ease of use: Is the software intuitive?
• Test compatibility with existing tools: Does it integrate with your current workflow?
• Check for system performance impact: Does it slow down devices?

5. Prioritize Software with Regular Updates and AI-Driven Security

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Your software should adapt accordingly. Choose solutions that offer:

• Real-time updates: These defend against the latest malware and phishing threats.
• AI-driven threat detection: Can identify suspicious behaviour before an attack happens.
• Automated security patches: Help prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Following these steps, you can ensure your business stays protected with a cybersecurity solution that fits your needs, budget, and security requirements.

Additional Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Implementing key security best practices alongside your chosen cybersecurity software is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your business’s cybersecurity. Here are five essential steps every small business should take to reduce the risk of cyber threats.

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all logins

MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive accounts. It should be required for all email accounts, financial systems, and business applications to provide an additional safeguard against cyberattacks.

2. Regularly Back Up Business Data

Automated backups should be set up for all critical files and databases to protect data from a cyberattack. Storing backups in multiple locations, such as a secure cloud service and an external hard drive, can help prevent complete data loss. Additionally, it’s crucial to test recovery processes periodically to confirm that files can be successfully restored when needed.

3. Train Employees on Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

Phishing remains the number one cause of data breaches. Employees should be taught to recognize suspicious emails and links to avoid falling victim to these common scams. Simulated phishing tests can help assess awareness levels, and fostering a “Think Before You Click” mindset can further reinforce a culture of cybersecurity awareness.

4. Use a Password Manager

Weak passwords make businesses easy targets for cybercriminals, so implementing a password manager ensures that all accounts are protected with unique, complex passwords. To further enhance security, companies should enforce password rotation policies and encourage employees to use passphrases instead of simple passwords, making them more challenging to crack.

5. Keep Software and Systems Updated

Hackers frequently exploit outdated software, so installing updates as soon as they become available is critical. Enabling automatic updates for security software, operating systems, and business applications ensures that businesses stay protected against the latest threats. Additionally, conducting regular audits of all company devices helps maintain compliance with security policies and reduces exposure to potential vulnerabilities.

Investing in The Right Cybersecurity Software

A single cyberattack can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. By integrating these best practices into their cybersecurity strategy, small businesses can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks and enhance the effectiveness of their security measures.

Cyber threats constantly evolve, and small businesses can no longer afford to ignore cybersecurity. By considering their security needs, budget, and software features, businesses can choose a cybersecurity solution that offers strong protection, compliance support, and ease of use.But that’s not all you can do to keep your business safe. At RevNet, we can help you decide on the ideal cybersecurity software for your business, provide cybersecurity and managed IT services tailored to your company. Let us help keep your business secure, advise you on the best cybersecurity software, and support your growth in the future. Connect with us today to learn more.