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Best Antivirus for Windows Server 2016 - 11 Tools for Maximum Security
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Updated onJune 12, 2024
updated onJune 12, 2024
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Are you looking for the best antivirus for Windows Server 2016? Your search ends here!
Protecting your apps, databases, and files from the server side ensures that the client PCs don’t get infected or play a role in infecting the whole network. An antivirus for Windows Server consoles plays a pivotal role in such situations.
However, researching numerous server endpoint security tools and selecting the best ones is a challenge. So, for your convenience, I’ve created this ultimate list.
I’ve collected over 35 server antiviruses and tested them on Windows Server 2016. After stringent evaluation, the following 11 tools have secured their places on my list.
11 Best Antivirus Software for Windows Server 2016
ESET Server Security– Best for Advanced Threat Detection
ESET Server Securityis another trusted choice for multi-purpose servers, general servers, and network file storage built with Windows Server 2016. It devisesa multi-layered mechanism to catch and block malware in different stages: before, during, and after execution.
Furthermore, it offers a lightweight cloud app namedESET PROTECT management console. You can use it with a compatible web browser like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Since you don’t need to install the security management interface on the server itself, you save on memory, internal storage, and processor bandwidth. Therefore,the tool doesn’t impact the overall performance of your server.
It alsosupports cross-platform file server security.It works with Office365, Linux, OneDrive, or Windows Server.
Moreover, ESET comes with the latestFileless malware prevention technology. TheESET Advanced Memory Scannercontinuously scans your server’s memory pool. If it locates any suspicious process, it immediately quarantines it and notifies you. Also, the tool looks for avenues to detect cloaked memory exploits when they decloak themselves in the memory pool for execution.
Additionally, there’s a minimal number of false positives. If in doubt, ESET will send malware or exploit process-related reports toESET LiveGuard AdvancedandESET’s Advanced Threat Defenseteams. These security experts analyze the threat manually and instruct the software according to their findings.
Other must-have server defense features include:
Pricing:Starts at$211forfive devicesfor one year.
Get ESET Server Security
Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud and Server Security– Best Comprehensive Solution
Bitdefender GravityZonecomes with a single point of control web app from which you can overseemalware protection and client PC policy enforcement for private data centers, cloud servers, and more. Its advanced technology and security architecture ensure there’s minimal impact on the server.
Furthermore, it uses integrations from Amazon, Azure, VMware, Nutanix, and more to distribute the server load for security scans and security policy implementation.
It also acts as a secured and customized gateway to theBitdefender Global Protective Network. There are necessary on-premise and cloud interfaces in place.
It includes the following features:
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GravityZone Control Center:A graphical user interface on your Windows Server endpoint to configure your security profile settings.
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Security Server:This is a central virus and malware scanning tool installed on the main server. You can run security scans for viruses and policy violations remotely on client PCs.
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Control Center Dashboard:It’s divided intoDashboard network status barandDashboard portlets. Theserver monitoringdashboard enables you to remotely observe overall server network health without physically checking each endpoint server and client PC. It also shows notifications for security incidents related to threatened endpoints, in-progress incidents, already detected threats, etc.
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Bitdefender Endpoint Security Tools:These are dedicated client security tools configured specifically for Windows, Linux, and Mac devices on your network. Your server-side control panel remotely interacts with these client apps to collect system security data and shows it on your own server GUI.
Pricing:TheGravityZone Small Business Securitysubscription starts at$199.49 per yearfor 10 endpoints.
Get Bitdefender GravityZone Cloud and Server Security
Windows Security – Best Built-In Solution
Windows Securityis the basic server-side antivirus for most Windows Server editions including Server 2016. It offers the following protective features to your setup:
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Virus & threat protection: It facilitates manual quick and deep scans of your Windows Server workstation as well as scheduled background scans. Here, you can modify the Windows Security virus database to allow specific threats that you think are false positives. The Virus & threat protection settings module also allows you to control Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, Automatic sample submission, and Tamper Protection.
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Firewall & network protection:This feature safeguards your server network from malicious activities and access requests. Here, you can check if firewall security is active for the Domain, Private, and Public network. Also, you can use theAllow an app through firewalloption to give access to third-party apps that Windows Security has automatically blocked.
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App & browser control:By running in the background, this module automatically protects your Windows Server workstation from known threats coming from apps, files, and websites. Moreover, you can use the Isolated browsing feature to access malicious webpages in a sandboxed Microsoft Edge browser.
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Device security:It includes the Core isolation feature. When combined with Memory integrity, it provides robust protection against sophisticated threats by isolating critical system processes. Additionally, it leverages virtualization-based security (VBS) to create an isolated environment for extra device security.
However, sometimes Windows Security might not run out of the box in your Windows Server 2016. In that case, you can activate the service in the following ways:
Pricing:It’s available with your Windows Server 2016 purchase. You don’t need to buy it separately.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus – Best Lightweight Solution
Microsoft Defender is another Microsoft-developed and built-in antivirus software for your Windows Server 2016 setup. It comes in two parts as outlined below:
Windows Defender Antiviruscollects the latest virus, malware, and spyware definitionsfrom the Microsoft Security servers. It also runs automatic scans to check if your Windows Server is infected with any malware listed in the latest definitions update. If detected, it immediately activates the Windows Security features to eliminate or quarantine the detected threat.
To manually activate Windows Defender Antivirus, you can accessServer Manager>Add Roles and Features Wizard> checkmark theMicrosoft Defender Antivirus> clickInstall.
Pricing:Built-in malware protection service for Windows Server for free.
AhnLab Endpoint PLUS– Best for AV-TEST Evaluation
AhnLab EPP is a collection of endpoint security products to safeguard all types of devices connected to your Windows Server 2016 network. Besides conventional security threats, it’ll alsoprotect you from new-age cyber threats.
Additionally, AhnLab EPP follows a multi-layered approach to threat detection and mitigation. Its security toolkit includes:
It alsocreates a central security monitoring systemso you can oversee thousands of client PCs and smartphones connecting to your business network.
Behind its robust and ever-evolving security features is theAhnLab Smart Defense (ASD) engine. Multiple groups of IT security professionals are continuously researching and adding EDR policies to protect you from the latest threats.
Here’s the complete security stack of AhnLab EPP:
Pricing:Offerscustom pricingfor different business scenarios and sizes.
Get AhnLab Endpoint PLUS
Kaspersky Security for Windows Server– Best Trusted Solution
Kaspersky Security is highly competent in protecting your business resources on a complex network of Windows Servers and client PCs. Itpromptly responds to malware and cyber threatsto protect business resources hosted on your server.
Moreover, it uses its proprietaryHuMachine frameworkfor malware detection. This framework is so fast that the malware gets quarantined as soon as it enters the Windows Server environment. Best of all, it also barely impacts the overall performance of your server’s responsiveness.
Additionally, it’sconstantly collecting virus definition updatesfrom the dedicatedKaspersky Security Network (KSN).
It also includes a system memory exploit prevention module. ThisExploit Prevention mechanismcontinuously monitors all the protected system activities in the Windows Server memory modules. It preventszero-day vulnerabilitiesor unpatched processes immediately upon detection.
Furthermore, itsDefault Denyfeature lets you create a list of trusted apps, websites, and processes. It’ll block everything else through theApplication Launch Control. This is a great way to prevent client PC users from becoming targets for scammers and phishing attacks.
Other notable security features that come with Kaspersky Security for Windows Server include:
Moreover,the installation process is fairly easy. The setup wizard guides you through all the technical stuff like setting up security servers, connecting your admin account, and so on. As soon as you arrive on the home screen for the first time, it shows you quick tutorials so you can get started.
Pricing:It offerscustom pricingto businesses and interested parties. You must set up a virtual meeting by submitting a lengthy form and wait to see if Kaspersky finds your case convincing.
Get Kaspersky Security for Windows Server
Avast Antivirus for Windows Servers– Best Graphical User Interface
You can check outAvast Antivirusalong withEssential Business Securityfor your Windows Server 2016 protection. It also includes SharePoint and Exchange Server protection if you host your business sites and file systems on theMicrosoft 365suite.
Itsmalware defense systemcan promptly find and quarantine malicious software, batch scripts, spyware, etc. Moreover, its real-time security module constantly tracks all the uploads and downloads from the Windows Server. If any cloaked or decloaked malware tries to slip in, Avast Antivirus efficiently moves the process into a sandbox for further treatment.
The security modules are also adaptive and intelligent. They sync with the threat intelligence engine to understand new cyber security threats. Then, the security tool automatically devises action plans to deal with such advanced security incidents without compromising your business confidentiality.
Furthermore, theserver malware protectionsystem works on the network level. Therefore, if you use your Windows Server 2016 setup for collaborative work, the antivirus automatically detects if a participant’s device tries to infect the central server. Once it does, the security measures kick in to isolate the malicious program as well as the connection with the client PC.
Moreover, the Avast security system for serversworks completely on the cloud. Its control panel, theBusiness Hubis a web app and doesn’t require on-premise installations. Therefore, you don’t impact the server performance by installing a resource-hungry antivirus software.
Pricing:Its subscription packagestarts at $148.36 per yearfor the Essential Business Security package. You can protect up to five endpoint devices with this.
Get Avast Business Server Security
AVG File Server Business Edition– Best for File Servers
Have you set up a Windows Server 2016 as a file server to manage business and customer data securely? It’s high time you exploreAVG File Server Business Editionfor comprehensive file and document security.
Its network virus scanner constantly monitors the incoming and outgoing data packets of your server workstation to keep hackers away. The latestAVG Scanning Enginealso introduces the Smart Scanner feature. It runs in the background and silently scans without showing its presence. It’s so low-key that you won’t know an antivirus is running in as abackground process.
Additionally, itsRemote Managementconsole is a super-efficient tool. It lets your IT admin install updates and security policies in the client PCs without slowing down an existing task. Also, you can conveniently schedule updates, installs, patches, etc., while idle.
In a nutshell, all the network endpoints, including your server stay updated throughout the year. There’s no need for the PC client or server terminal user to manually apply security updates.
Moreover, you can use theAVG Management Consoleon the cloud to enforce endpoint security to newly added PC clients, monitor threats, manage security policies, and schedule updates. It also offers security features forMS SharePoint Server 2010and newer andMS SharePoint Services 3.0applications.
Pricing:Its Small Business subscription plan starts at$20.41forone yearforone endpoint device.
Get AVG File Server Business Edition
Fortinet FortiClient for Servers– Best for AI Endpoint Security
Fortinet Endpoint Agent is a lightweight solution of theFortinet Fabric Agentfor Windows Server 2016. It facilitates advanced server content protection, secure remote access for collaborators, and security compliance across the network.
Primarily, it creates highly secured access to and from the server with its networked PC clients. Moreover, it relies onVPN-encrypted tunnels, Universal ZTNA, cloud access security broker (CASB), and URL filteringfor its remote communication security.
Speaking of server endpoint security, it bringsAI-based next-generation antivirus (NGAV)to the table. Other server security features include application firewall, endpoint quarantine, USB device control, ransomware protection, and cloud sandbox.
Fortinet FortiClientis also available in two flavors. You can get the whole suite and set it up on your Windows Server 2016 workstation, manage it, and prevent security incidents in your business network yourself.
Alternatively, you canopt for managed services from Fortinet. Its team of experts will deploy and configure the FortiClient solution on your server. The team will also ensure constant vulnerability monitoring for your server as well as all other networked devices.
Pricing:Fortinet offerscustom pricingfor different business use cases. You must contact the sales team to get a personalized quote.
Get Fortinet FortiClient for Servers
Check Point Endpoint Security– Best for Guided Instructions
Check Point(Harmony Endpoint)offers an all-in-one security solution for your Windows Server, its content, hosted sites and apps, and networked devices. Its security services include:
Additionally, Check Pointprotects all data communications in use, at rest, and in transit with advanced encryption protocols. So, if hackers target your network and some of its vulnerable client PCs, they’ll have a hard time cracking the encryption code.
It also offers quick security measures against completely new and unseen malware, threats, andzero-day vulnerabilitiesusing its robust threat intelligence engine. For example,Log4jrecently surfaced as a vulnerability in servers. Check Point claims that it offers full protection against executed Log4j attacks.
Furthermore, Check Point provides theCapsule Mobile Secure Workspaceto make smartphone usage safe within the organization network. The tool creates a virtual data access and browsing environment that’s completely separate from the internal and public networks. That way, users can work on corporate data on their smartphones within the office premises.
Pricing:Its pricing ison a case-to-case basis. You need to sit on a sales call to get a custom quote.
Get Check Point Endpoint Security
CrowdStrike Falcon– Best for Real-Time Threat Management
If you’re running a Windows Server 2016 setup as a data center,CrowdStrike Falconshould be your first choice for server security. Besides the physical server, it can alsoprotect Windows Servers deployed in virtual environments and cloud-based data centers.
To help you prevent network infection with malware and spyware, Falcon uses multiple mechanisms:
Moreover, Falcon’s end-to-end visibility of websites, apps, mobile devices, and so on lets you quickly locate security issues, isolate them, and plan remedial actions. It also lets youpinpoint unknown or rogue network devices and revoke their accessfrom your business network.
If you follow the container-based approach to software development and experience attacks on the same, Falcon can help you fix those infected containers without disturbing others. The tool also paces up with the speed of theDevOps projectsin your server for detection, isolation, and remediation of container vulnerabilities.
Pricing:Its Small Business packages are cost-effective. You can get started for just$4.99/ device/ month. Additionally, subscription packages for enterprise needs start at$99.99/ device/ year.
Get CrowdStrike Falcon
How I Chose the Best Antivirus for Windows Server 2016
Here are all the factors I considered while choosing these server antiviruses:
I ensured that the antivirus software I’ve chosen isCheckmark Certified by West Coast Labs. It’s one of the most trusted and oldest IT security accreditation institutes in the world.
SE Labsis yet another reputed software testing organization that tests and certifies antivirus apps. Upon rigorous testing, it releases a quarterly list of the top-performing endpoint security solutions. I’ve ensured my chosen apps are alsoSE Labs certified.
AV-TESTis also a reputed IT security products testing body. While choosing the best antivirus for Windows Server 2016, I checked if they performed well in theAV-TESTprocess.
I only picked options with exclusive and dedicated supportability forWindows Server 2016 64-bit edition. I excluded tools that claimed that they supported this operating system but failed to do so practically.
I looked only for those endpoint security tools that can detect and stop viruses as they happen, keeping the server safe immediately. This feature helps prevent damage before it starts.
The antivirus has to run without slowing down the server’s performance. This way, the server can handle all its tasks efficiently while still being protected.
I chose antivirus software that updates its virus database frequently. Regular updates help the software recognize and stop the latest threats.
I picked only those endpoint security tools that allow easy management of multiple servers from one central dashboard. This makes it simpler to deploy and control security settings across all servers.
The antivirus needs to have a clear and simple interface so that even novices can navigate and use it effectively.
Good customer support is crucial, so I chose companies known for helpful and responsive service. This ensures that any issues can be quickly resolved.
I considered the cost and flexibility of licensing options. The antivirus needs to offer good value for money and scalable solutions as the server grows.
The endpoint security tool has to be customizable to fit specific security needs. I only picked flexible software that you can tailor to unique server environments.
Summary
So, now you can choose your best antivirus for Windows Server 2016. You can use any of the above to protect your server. I’ve also considered different server roles, like file server, multipurpose role, app server, data center, and more.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a decentVM engine for your servers, I’ve got you covered.
Did you try any of these before or after reading this list? Do you also have a better suggestion than the ones mentioned here? Comment below!
More about the topics:antivirus,windows server
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
