How to Defend Against Malware
Cyber Security | October 17, 2019
Knowing how to defend against malware will help ensure your IT network and computers are being kept as secure as possible. At Next Hop Solutions, we understand how dangerous malware can be. That is why we offer a range of managed IT services for protecting networks from potential threats like malware.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can be an effective tool for defending computers, smart phones, and other devices from the non-targeted malware attacks used by criminals on a daily basis; however, it is important to note that antivirus software may be ineffective against some types of targeted malware attacks, such as ransomware.
Avoid Opening Suspicious Attachments
One of the simplest ways to defend against malware is to avoid opening suspicious documents that may contain malware. While people with more computer and technical expertise tend to have better instincts about what may or may not be malware, a good rule of thumb to follow is to not open any attachments from email addresses not in your contact list. Using email services, such as Gmail, can also help, since they allow you to open attachments online rather than downloading them to your computer.
Run Software Updates
Since new vulnerabilities are discovered in software on a regular basis, ensuring that all of your IT software is up to date will help prevent malware from using the vulnerabilities in the system to attack your business’ infrastructure.
Install Firewalls
Installing firewalls on your system will help prevent unauthorized programs from trying to gain access to your computer through the Internet. Consider installing both software firewalls and hardware firewalls to ensure that you are receiving the highest level of protection possible. Once the firewalls are installed, they will not only work to keep your network safe but will also inform you any time an unauthorized program tries to breach the system.
Perform Data Backups
Performing data backups on a regular basis will make it easier to recover any data that is lost due to a malware breach. Having backups of all your data can also help protect your business against information being stolen or deleted due to malicious attacks, such as ransomware.
If you would like to learn more about how to defend against malware, or if you are interested in one of our managed IT services, please contact the IT experts from Next Hop Solutions at 1-855-482-5141 or by requesting a consultation on our website.
Knowing how to defend against malware will help ensure your IT network and computers are being kept as secure as possible. At Next Hop Solutions, we understand how dangerous malware can be. That is why we offer a range of managed IT services for protecting networks from potential threats like malware.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software can be an effective tool for defending computers, smart phones, and other devices from the non-targeted malware attacks used by criminals on a daily basis; however, it is important to note that antivirus software may be ineffective against some types of targeted malware attacks, such as ransomware.
Avoid Opening Suspicious Attachments
One of the simplest ways to defend against malware is to avoid opening suspicious documents that may contain malware. While people with more computer and technical expertise tend to have better instincts about what may or may not be malware, a good rule of thumb to follow is to not open any attachments from email addresses not in your contact list. Using email services, such as Gmail, can also help, since they allow you to open attachments online rather than downloading them to your computer.
Run Software Updates
Since new vulnerabilities are discovered in software on a regular basis, ensuring that all of your IT software is up to date will help prevent malware from using the vulnerabilities in the system to attack your business’ infrastructure.
Install Firewalls
Installing firewalls on your system will help prevent unauthorized programs from trying to gain access to your computer through the Internet. Consider installing both software firewalls and hardware firewalls to ensure that you are receiving the highest level of protection possible. Once the firewalls are installed, they will not only work to keep your network safe but will also inform you any time an unauthorized program tries to breach the system.
Perform Data Backups
Performing data backups on a regular basis will make it easier to recover any data that is lost due to a malware breach. Having backups of all your data can also help protect your business against information being stolen or deleted due to malicious attacks, such as ransomware.
If you would like to learn more about how to defend against malware, or if you are interested in one of our managed IT services, please contact the IT experts from Next Hop Solutions at 1-855-482-5141 or by requesting a consultation on our website.