Unsuspecting employees and users often end up installing plug-ins, software and programs that may eventually lead to a malware attack. Malware is the short for malicious software, and thousands of companies across industries have suffered because of malware attacks. There are various ways in which malware can affect your systems. From creating a backdoor entry for hackers and infiltrating system, to data breach, and monitoring of online browsing and activities, malware can have different intended uses. Taking precautionary steps is the first step towards protecting your enterprise, and in this post, we are discussing all you need to know about malware prevention.
- Train your employees. Frontline employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. They end up accessing sites, apps, resources, and untrusted networks, which can lead to malware attacks. Ensure your employees are aware of malware and the possible ways in which they are targeted. For example, ask your people to be aware of suspicious links in emails and websites.
- Use antivirus and malware software. Running regular scans for malware and viruses is the best way to detect possible vulnerabilities, and to make that happen, you have to use antivirus and malware software. There are all sorts of options, but select one that’s reliable and has good reviews. Don’t be tempted to use free antimalware products.
- Install firmware and software updates. Manufacturers and developers offer firmware and software updates to fix bugs and other patching issues. Ensure all apps, programs, and software are updated and running on their latest versions.
- Consider Encryption. Encrypted networks are always worth relying on. If required, block some of the suspicious websites that your employees are probably using, and check how the Wi-Fi network is being used. Using a firewall is the best way to create a barrier between your networks, systems and untrusted sites and the Internet.
- Watch out for access rights. Privileged accounts are often responsible for data breaches, and malware attacks happen because access rights are not evaluated/revoked/updated on time. Ensure that you have a system to monitor rights of every user.
Finally, do check if your employees are following the basic rights and rules related to browsing. For instances, ask them to avoid popups and use something as simple as an Adblocker. Also, establish rules for reporting and conduct training sessions, so that people are more aware of the social engineering methods that hackers are using to access personal and company information.