We are all constantly at risk of our networks being infected with malware. When the proper protection and security measures are not in place, this can lead to ransomware attacks, stolen data and information, and other types of cyber-attacks.
Cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated malware threats and social engineering tactics to outwit essential Advanced Malware Protection, which is why strengthening your network security is more important than ever.
Malware, malicious software, can get into your operating system through different unsafe downloads, suspicious email attachments, or unprotected networks. To prevent these network security threats, it’s essential to use reliable measures such as antivirus software, a password manager, and anti-malware software to protect against different types of malware. In this blog, we’ll cover strategies to prevent malware attacks, from maintaining strong defences to understanding how cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities.
What is Malware?
Malware, short for malicious software, is any harmful software created by cybercriminals to steal data, damage, or destroy computers and systems. This is often done so the data can be held to ransom, sold, or leaked. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware. In recent years, malware attacks have become more severe, with some incidents leading to the mass exfiltration of sensitive data, causing huge financial and reputational losses for both small and large businesses.
How to Protect Against Malware Attacks
You can put a few measures in place to ensure you are best protected against a malware attack.
Keep Your Defences Up-to-Date
Follow best practices for keeping your systems and applications secure. Software that is not regularly updated and patched will leave vulnerabilities for criminals to exploit. Use strong, unique passwords with at least 16 characters, and store them safely with a password manager.
Back-Up Your Data Regularly
Having reliable backups is crucial to protecting against data loss, especially with fast-moving ransomware attacks and other cyber threats. Ensure your data protection solution is in place, and regularly test your ability to restore backed-up data in an emergency.
Protect Against Malware
Use multiple layers of security tools like next-generation firewalls (NGFW), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and advanced endpoint protection software. This approach helps secure everything from your devices and emails to your network’s DNS layer.
Educate Your Team on Threats
Train your team to recognise phishing attempts and suspicious emails, and teach them not to fall for schemes. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security as a first line of defence.
Segment Your Network
Isolate different parts of your network using SD-WAN to reduce the risk of widespread infection in the event of an attack. Network segmentation helps limit the damage malware can do by restricting its movement.
Strengthen Email Security
Many ransomware attacks come through email attachments or downloads. Block malicious emails, websites, and attachments. Use company-approved file-sharing programs and email filters to protect your network.
Monitor with Security Analytics
Keep a close eye on your network traffic using advanced analytics tools. Regularly analyse data and use real-time threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and understand everything happening on your network. If your team don’t have the time or skill to monitor your network, consider investing in Network Security Management.
Have a Clear Plan
Prepare your IT team by developing a security incident response plan. Practice it regularly so your team knows exactly what to do if an attack occurs.
Focus on Prevention and Remediation
Explore additional security solutions to protect your network further. Conduct regular security scans of cloud services, applications, and microservice systems to catch potential issues early.
Zero-Trust Security
A zero-trust model ensures that every user, device, and service must be verified before granting access to your network. This approach enhances protection for your workforce by treating everything untrusted until proven otherwise.
Malware Protection From Performance Networks
At Performance Networks, we offer malware protection solutions to safeguard your business from the threats of cyberattacks. Our advanced security services help defend your network from malicious software, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware. By deploying industry-leading tools, we provide layered protection that covers every aspect of your network— from endpoints to email and DNS layers.
Our Network Security Management services are designed to prevent malware infections and enhance your overall security. We focus on proactive measures, using real-time threat detection and advanced analytics to identify and block potential threats before they can compromise your systems. Our solutions are tailored to meet your business’s unique needs, ensuring that your network remains secure, efficient, and resilient against emerging malware threats.
With Performance Networks, you gain peace of mind knowing that your business is protected by technology and supported by our security experts, keeping your data and systems safe from cybercriminals.
