Cyber threats in the UK are rising fast, and businesses are feeling the pressure. Nearly 10% of companies now risk shutting down because of ransomware and phishing attacks. In many cases, simply because businesses aren’t paying enough attention to the type of antivirus protection being used, or don’t understand how to secure servers in the first place.
Today, data is everything. Whether running a small business or a large enterprise, your data matters just as much. As server usage grows, big organisations don’t rely on basic antivirus software; regular home or PC antivirus software just isn’t enough anymore. A reliable antivirus to protect multiple systems at once is a must.
Top Server Antivirus Software
Choosing a server antivirus isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration of the top-rated options and choosing the one that offers the features you need. Here are some of the best antivirus for servers:
Bitdefender GravityZone
Bitdefender
Fast, reliable mobile protection designed to keep your data safe anywhere you go.
Bitdefender GravityZone is one of the most popular and free Windows antivirus choices for businesses, also standing out among free antivirus solutions for protecting servers quietly in the background without slowing them down. Known for strong detection rates with less impact on server performance.
Key Features
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Multi-layered threat detection: Uses machine learning and behavioural analysis.
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Ransomware protection: Blocks and reverses encryption attempts.
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Centralised management console: Single dashboard for servers and endpoints.
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Supports hybrid/cloud environments: Works with virtual and cloud workloads.
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Low system impact: Designed to run without slowing down critical servers.
Plans & Pricing
Pricing varies by number of devices and region; below are example ranges (business plans often priced per year):
|
Plan |
Devices / Servers |
Approx Price |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Small Business Security |
1 device including server |
£16.35+ per year |
Essential server and workstation protection for small teams |
|
Business Security Premium |
5 devices including servers |
£224+ per year |
Advanced business license with enhanced security controls |
Best For
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Small to medium businesses need strong malware and ransomware protection.
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Environments with Windows and Linux servers.
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Teams want centralised security management without heavy overhead.
Kaspersky Security
Kaspersky Security is one of the best antivirus software for PC and Windows, also widely used as an antivirus for small business environments in UK. It is made for mission-critical server setups. Focuses on preventing attacks before they spread to other computers, and is part of broader enterprise suites (like Hybrid Cloud Security)
Key Features
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Multi-layered threat protection: Covers malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits.
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Exploit prevention & system hardening: Reduces attack surface and memory exploits.
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Anti-Cryptor for shared storage: Prevents ransomware from encrypting shared data.
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Virtual & cloud support: Works in hybrid cloud and virtualised setups.
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Centralised management: Integrates with Kaspersky Security Centre and SIEM tools.
Plans & Pricing
Kaspersky’s server security products are usually bundled rather than sold standalone, e.g. Hybrid Cloud Security Enterprise.
But typical server licensing is based on:
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Number of servers/endpoints
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Subscription length
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Add-ons like storage or gateway protection
Best For
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Companies with Windows file servers, database servers, or network shares.
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Businesses need strong ransomware and exploit defence.
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Organisations requiring cloud-ready server protection.
ESET Server & Enterprise Protection
ESET is a long-established, cheap antivirus, counted among antivirus offering free trials, as the business edition products support server deployment and centralised management. ESET’s enterprise platform (ESET PROTECT) protects Windows, Linux, and file servers.
Key Features
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Real-time malware scanning: Core antivirus protection on servers.
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File server protection: Built-in modules for file servers and databases.
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Centralised management: Via ESET PROTECT console.
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XDR and EDR options: Expanded detection and response (with enterprise licences).
Plans & Pricing
ESET business products are usually priced per device/server and negotiated via partners:
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ESET PROTECT Entry / Complete (smaller deployments)
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ESET PROTECT Enterprise (includes file server, encryption, EDR)
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Prices vary widely based on devices and features chosen.
Best For
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Companies planning centralised management of multiple server and workstation endpoints.
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Organisations wanting scalable security from small to enterprise.
Sophos Intercept X for Server
Sophos Intercept X is the best AI and online antivirus in UK focuses on modern threat defence for servers using exploit prevention and root cause analysis to block attacks before they occur. Managed via the Sophos Central platform.
Key Features
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Deep learning malware detection: AI-based threat detection.
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Anti-exploit & anti-ransomware: Blocks common attack techniques.
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Server workload protection: Works on Windows and Linux server environments.
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Cloud management option: Via Sophos Central console.
Plans & Pricing
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Intercept X Advanced for Server: £22 – £24 per server/year
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Intercept X Advanced with XDR for Server: £38 per server/year
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Sophos Managed Threat Response (MDR): £62+ per server/year
Best For
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Medium to large enterprises needing AI/ML-powered advanced defence.
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Teams are using mixed physical, virtual, and cloud servers.
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IT organisations want centralised control via the cloud.
FAQ
Can I Just Use the Same Antivirus I Have on My Home PC?
Not really, Home antiviruses are made for a single computer and lighter tasks. Servers are much busier; they handle multiple users and run critical applications. That’s why they need server antivirus protection.
Will Server Antivirus Slow Down My Servers?
If you pick the best server antivirus software, it shouldn’t. These solutions are built to handle heavy workloads and protect your data in real time without affecting performance.
How Do I Choose the Right Server Antivirus for My Business?
Start by thinking about your setup and needs:
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How many servers do you have, and what type are they (Windows, Linux, hybrid, cloud)?
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What’s your budget, and which subscription options fit it?
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What kind of protection do you need: ransomware, malware, or both?
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How easy is it to manage and update the antivirus?
Overall, ignoring security is a risk you can’t afford, and running a business without proper top antivirus for servers is like leaving the front door wide open for hackers. Antivirus software isn’t optional; even a small PC needs it, but when servers hold critical data, the stakes are far higher.
Hackers know exactly where to strike, and one breach can result in an enormous loss. It is a must to have the best antivirus for server UK that doesn’t slow down your PC.
For your servers, antivirus is essential, but overall digital safety requires more than just one solution. Safe browsing tips can help you avoid various types of phishing attacks and other online threats. That’s why businesses often combine multiple tools, such as antivirus, cybersecurity tools, SaaS security tools, AI security tools, and anti-phishing tools to stay fully protected.
Apart from that, you also need to keep your passwords secure, which is why many users rely on antivirus software with password managers, and some even use antivirus software with VPN protection.
Stay tuned to Virtual Codes Vault for more information on the best server antivirus protection.
