7 Best Practices to Prevent a Malware Attack

And it’s not slowing down; rather, over 270,000 different malware variants were identified in 2022, and are expected to grow over 1 billion in 2023. So, how can companies combat these vicious attacks? Let’s review the best practices to stop a malware attack from harming your network.

Overview of Malware Attacks 

Malware attacks are where cybercriminals create malicious software to infiltrate your network or computer system to steal, disrupt, or harm your data. Malware attacks are notoriously difficult to combat because these programs can sneak into a network without users knowing. By the time it is detected, most of your valuable business data could be gone or held for ransom. However, the worst aspect of malware attacks is the fact that there are many ways for them to infect your system. Some areas where you can contract a malware virus include:  

• Spam or phishing emails 
• Fraudulent links/websites 
• Pop-up ads 
• Free downloads 
• Image files
• Infected USB drives

Best Practices to Prevent a Malware Attack on Your Business 

While malware attacks have various infiltration methods and intent, they all result in severe damages and losses. Truthfully, businesses impacted by a malware attack can face enough serious financial losses—both internally and externally through lawsuits filed by affected clients—that they could face total bankruptcy. Learn how you can combat malware attacks on your network using these best prevention practices:  

Cloud Backups 

Should the worst occur and your business face a severe malware attack, having full data backups ready in cloud storage systems will ensure a smooth recovery back to production. These services should be updated regularly for data accuracy to ensure normal operations can continue without severe losses or effect on customer service. 

Avoid Malicious Downloads 

Nothing from the internet is ever truly free. Applications, software, or media files always require a price; those that don’t often come with malware that costs far more than a legitimate file. Thus, one of the best ways to prevent a malware attack is by avoiding free downloads. Use only official, trustworthy websites or app stores to download programs or avoid completely if unsure whether an app is legitimate or not.  

Require Multi-factor Authentication Codes 

Malware attacks don’t stop after infecting one device; if linked to the network and other tools within your organization, malicious software can quickly spread. With Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), your business can ensure the right personnel only access certain information while limiting the risk of exposure to hackers. If a cyber threat tries to gain access with the wrong codes, the system will lock them out and alert IT experts to the issue. 

Update Software 

No matter how strong your security measures are, malware attacks can slip past firewalls using gaps or flaws within the code. To prevent potential breaches, your organization should undergo regular software updates, which will not only repair flaws within the system but also improve program operations. 

Since software is always improving, updating your programs and services can help regularly prevent malware attacks.

Secure All Systems and Devices 

Malware attacks can infect any system or device connected to a company network. For this reason, all devices used to access your organizational data should be upgraded with cybersecurity software. These programs scan your files for virus trails and detect potentially dangerous links found in messages. Furthermore, top-tier cybersecurity services safeguard your network by monitoring suspicious activity, fraudulent websites, or weak points within your infrastructure that hackers could use to sneak in.  

Install Spam Blockers 

Frequently, employees fall victim to malware attacks through phishing emails impersonating trusted colleagues or upper management. Although these emails are quite sophisticated, they can be easily avoided by using spam blockers within your organization’s email service. These programs scan through emails to detect hazardous links, corrupted files, or suspicious email addresses sent to users. Once detected, these malicious emails are moved into the junk folder, limiting the risk of a successful attack.  

Maintain Security Training 

Your organization’s security first relies on employees maintaining safe online practices. Therefore, every user within your network should be routinely reminded and trained on how to identify different types of malware attacks. Create a system where workers can report suspicious activity to IT experts to develop a proactive defense against cybercriminals. In turn, your workforce will become more confident in their online activity and be able to work unencumbered by potential threats. 

Increase Protection with Copy Systems 

Cybercriminals are always making new malware attacks to infiltrate businesses. By ensuring your business network is secured with updated software, cybersecurity, and training, you can deter such threats and enhance online practices for your entire organization. To create better protection for your business, check out Copy Systems’ Managed IT and Security services today.