5 Steps to Prevent Malware Attacks
Malware attacks can compromise your entire network costing you time, money and your reputation. Because this malicious software can infect a computer through an email attachment, link, or download, every employee must know some basic rules to protect the security of your company. Periodic training should be performed to keep everyone up to date on the latest threats and safety tips.
Here are some ways to help keep your network safe.
- Install a full security suite and keep it up to date. Comprehensive security packages provide a full range of protection, including screening downloads and links, filtering email, blocking suspicious sites and providing a firewall. As threats are constantly evolving, it’s important to keep this software up to date.
- Scan all files and links. Before opening a link or attachment, it should be screened for viruses and malware. Sometimes they may appear to come from someone you know whose system has been compromised. Regardless of the source, everything should be scanned prior to opening.
- Be wary. Internet threats are everywhere, including websites, advertisements, links, emails and texts. You should never open something that looks suspicious or download from a site that is not trustworthy. If you receive an email from a colleague that looks odd in any way, contact them in person or by phone to verify it was sent intentionally.
- Get help when necessary. If you find an infected file, or it appears your device may be compromised, contact the IT department immediately. They will be able to isolate the threat and deal with it to keep other computers on the network secure.
- Only allow authorized devices on the network. Personal phones, tablets, and laptops can compromise your business network, bringing in threats from the outside. Only allow authorized devices to connect to the network and establish secure practices for company devices that are used offsite.
By taking proper steps towards network security you can drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a malware attack. Malware attacks can be difficult to recover from, so invest in a comprehensive security suite and make sure all employees are educated on best-use practices.
