Security software specialist AVG Technologies announced AVG Business Edition 2012, a security software solution for small to medium-size businesses that the company claims is faster, lighter and easier to use than its predecessor. In conjunction with the launch of the platform, the company also announced the SMB Market Landscape Report, a white paper with SMB market-related findings as of mid-2011. The platform is designed to help minimize threats via antivirus and Internet security across multiple touch points, from email and the Web to emerging threats such as information theft, social engineering and the risks involved with using social media as a marketing tool.
“AVG Business Edition 2012 aims to be the simplest, most tailored security option for SMBs available,” said Robert Gorby, global head of business marketing at AVG. “For businesses looking for protection without impeding performance, AVG is the most compelling solution on the market. That said, customers can essentially set and forget-with peace of mind that we will take care of the rest while they interact in the connected world.”
In addition to security technology, AVG’s Small Business Resource Centre plays a role in helping customers stay up to speed on the latest security trends. Plus, since security needs are rarely the same for every organization, AVG helps SMBs select the protection that is right for their business via an online security audit tool. After a short questionnaire about their business, customers receive a detailed report containing hints and tips to better protect their data.
In the SMB Market Landscape Report, AVG found small businesses have a more conservative attitude toward IT spending as a response to financial uncertainty and are embracing technologies to increase levels of mobility, though few are aware of the potential dangers associated with bringing data to more devices.
The report also found midmarket companies recognize the opportunity social networking offers to promote business and engage with customers, but do not take the proper additional precautions against specific social media threats and remain focused on traditional IT vulnerabilities like email and Web viruses without safeguarding against emerging IT security threats, such as information theft and social engineering.
Among those surveyed, businesses are most concerned about losing access to files and replacing hardware, when security breaches are the costlier risk. SMBs that have already experienced such a breakdown are more likely to have seen the long-term impact, such as loss of sales and revenue opportunities. “Our customers really like the new look and feel of AVG Business Edition 2012,” said Todd O’Bert, president and CEO of Productive. “AVG has stuck to its core principles of delivering effective security with a light footprint in this release. AVG continues to offer exceptional value in the marketplace, which our customers truly appreciate.”