Antivirus Software Recommendations

Get tailored antivirus suggestions for your healthcare organization based on platform and size.

Recommendations will appear here once selections are made.

How to Use the Antivirus Software Recommendations Tool:

Select your organization type and platform (e.g., solo practice, multi-site clinic, Windows, Mac).
View recommended antivirus solutions tailored to your setup.
Compare features like HIPAA alignment, central management, and real-time protection.
Add internal notes for procurement or audit documentation.
Export the recommendations as a downloadable PDF for reference or team use.

Features:

Curated antivirus recommendations based on organization size and system
Highlights HIPAA-relevant features (BAA availability, endpoint protection)
Editable notes for internal decision-making or audit prep
PDF export functionality
Fully in-browser with no tracking or saved data

FAQ’s

Got Question? We've Got Answers

What is the purpose of the Antivirus Software Recommendations Tool?

This tool helps healthcare organizations, clinics, and HIPAA-covered entities choose antivirus software that meets both their operational needs and compliance requirements. Based on your selected organization size and operating system, it generates tailored recommendations. Each suggestion includes HIPAA-relevant features like endpoint protection, cloud-based control panels, and BAA availability. You can also add internal notes for procurement or documentation. The tool is completely browser-based and doesn’t store or transmit any data. You can download your selections and notes as a PDF to use for compliance, team discussion, or vendor comparisons. It’s ideal for building your cybersecurity policy or preparing for a HIPAA audit.

What features should antivirus software include to be HIPAA-compliant?

HIPAA doesn’t certify or endorse specific antivirus programs, but it requires covered entities to implement reasonable and appropriate safeguards to protect ePHI. This includes using antivirus software with real-time threat detection, automatic updates, malware quarantine, and centralized management for multiple devices. For larger organizations, features like device encryption, intrusion prevention, and remote wipe are also beneficial. Software should not collect sensitive health data unless explicitly necessary — and when it does, a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) should be in place. Vendors that offer BAAs are strongly preferred for full HIPAA alignment. Additionally, solutions should support logging and reporting for audit trail purposes. Choosing an antivirus tool with these features shows good faith in protecting your PHI systems.

What is a BAA, and why does it matter when choosing antivirus software?

A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) is a legal contract between a HIPAA-covered entity and any vendor that handles or may access PHI. Some cloud-based antivirus services (especially those with centralized dashboards, reporting, or cloud sync) may process sensitive information. In those cases, the vendor must sign a BAA to assume responsibility for safeguarding that data. Without a BAA, using the software could place your organization at risk of non-compliance. This tool highlights whether each vendor is known to offer BAAs or requires you to request one. Always confirm BAA availability directly with the provider before deploying the software. It’s a key step in ensuring your security stack is HIPAA-safe.

How do I know which antivirus is right for my healthcare organization?

The tool helps narrow your choices based on your organization size and IT environment (Windows, Mac, or mixed). Solo providers need something lightweight and user-friendly, while larger practices may need centralized management and advanced endpoint control. It’s important to balance cost, ease of deployment, update frequency, and vendor support. If you have multiple devices, prioritize solutions that offer cloud-based dashboards or group policy management. For sensitive roles like billing or EHR access, select tools that include ransomware protection and intrusion detection. Always factor in HIPAA needs like logging, alerting, and non-PII collection. This tool helps simplify your search by mapping common use cases to appropriate tools.

Is the tool storing or tracking any of my information?

No — all input and interaction stays entirely within your browser. The form selections, notes, and output are never saved, transmitted, or connected to any server. When you export your recommendations, the PDF is generated using JavaScript directly in-browser. This makes the tool completely private and safe to use, even for compliance planning or audit prep. You can safely use it as a temporary worksheet or training resource without leaving a digital footprint. Once the page is refreshed or closed, all entries are cleared. This setup aligns with the principles of HIPAA and privacy-by-design.

Can I use this tool to justify software choices during a HIPAA audit?

Yes — the downloaded PDF can serve as part of your documentation to demonstrate that antivirus selection was considered with compliance in mind. It shows that your team evaluated vendors based on organizational size, platform needs, and HIPAA safeguards. Including internal notes allows you to record decisions, preferences, or concerns that factored into your purchase. While not a replacement for a full risk assessment, it’s a solid addition to your cybersecurity planning documentation. It also supports compliance training and vendor evaluation workflows. When paired with signed BAAs and logs of endpoint installations, it strengthens your audit defense. Regulators appreciate documented decision-making when reviewing security controls.

Can this tool help with renewals or software comparisons later on?

Absolutely. You can use the tool as a recurring worksheet when your current software contract is up for renewal or when comparing new options. The PDF export allows you to archive current configurations and preferences for future reference. You can also track changes in vendor offerings, pricing models, or compliance features over time. For growing practices, you can re-run the tool with a larger organization size to see how needs evolve. It’s a quick, no-login-required way to revisit your antivirus plan annually. Use it in conjunction with your broader IT asset inventory and risk management process to maintain HIPAA readiness.