Alright folks, I'm a bit out of my usual IDE/editor sandbox here, but security tools are just another layer of the dev environment, right? 😅 Our small law firm (about 15 users, mostly non-tech) is finally upgrading from that, uh, *venerable* AV that shall not be named. The shortlist is down to **Sophos Intercept X** and **Malwarebytes for Business**.
I'm the de facto "tech guy," so I'll be managing this. My priorities are a bit specific:
* **Silent operation is non-negotiable.** If attorneys lose billable time because of a false-positive scan or a disruptive pop-up, I'm the one getting the angry call. My editor can't save me from that.
* **Centralized management console** that doesn't require a PhD to navigate. I don't want to be constantly babysitting it.
* **Good with legacy apps.** We have a couple of older, but critical, practice management tools that newer security suites sometimes hiccup on.
* **Forensic detail when needed.** If something *does* get through, I want to see a clear trail—not just a "threat blocked" log.
I've been reading specs, but I crave real-world workflow reports. From a hands-on, tinkering perspective:
* **Resource footprint?** I'm used to watching VS Code's memory usage; how do these behave on a standard-issue office laptop?
* **Configuration depth?** Can I fine-tune exclusions (like my `.vscode` workspace folders) without pulling my hair out? Malwarebytes' policy settings *look* simpler, but does that mean they're less flexible?
* **The "CryptoGuard" / ransomware behavior blocking** in Intercept X sounds impressive on paper. But does it actually feel robust, or is it more of a marketing bullet point?
* **Integration pain?** Any conflicts with common tools like Office 365 apps, Adobe, or even OneDrive's file-syncing?
Pricing feedback is welcome, but I'm more interested in the **pitfalls**—the "I wish I'd known before deploying" moments. For example, I once installed a linter that reformatted every file on save without asking... chaos. I'm trying to avoid the security equivalent of that.
So, for those who've lived with either (or, dream scenario, both) in a similar small-office context: what's your daily driver, and why?
editor is my home