Why Malware Prevention is Essential for Your Company

Malware: the digital parasite that business owners and IT managers are constantly trying to keep at bay. It’s no secret that malware can wreak havoc on a company, causing data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

What would malware prevention look like at your company? What tools and strategies should you be implementing in order to protect your business from this ever-evolving threat?

Malware Prevention Significantly Mitigates Risks

Malware, short for malicious software, refers to any type of software intentionally designed to cause harm or damage to computer systems, networks, and devices. It can come in many forms such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojans, and more.

If we’ve learned anything from recent news reports, all companies are at risk regardless of size or industry. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals due to their perceived vulnerability.

Here are some recent malware attacks that show how the attacks are evolving:

1. Malware-encrypted data within Colorado State Public Defender’s office network causes shutdown
2. Medical care was delayed after malware attack on Lurie’s Children Hospital in Chicago
3. Hacker group ThreeAM claims to have carried out a ransomware attack on Garon Products, a SME manufacturing company
4. Personal information of Planet Home Lending customers is exposed; Planet Home Lending faces a class action lawsuit

How Does Malware Prevention Work?

Malware prevention is a proactive approach to protecting your company’s digital assets from malicious attacks. It involves implementing a combination of technical and organizational measures to prevent, detect, and respond to malware threats.

Here are some key elements of an effective malware prevention strategy:

• Antivirus Software: This is the most basic form of protection that every company should have in place. Antivirus software scans your computer for known malware and prevents it from executing or spreading. It is important to regularly update your antivirus software to stay protected against new threats.
• Firewalls: Firewalls act as a barrier between your internal network and the internet, blocking unauthorized access and malicious traffic. They can be hardware-based or software-based, and they should be configured to only allow necessary traffic.
• Email and Web Filters: Malware can often enter a company’s systems through email attachments or by visiting infected websites. Email and web filters can help prevent malware from entering your network by blocking suspicious emails and restricting access to potentially harmful websites.
• Employee Training: Human error is one of the biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to malware prevention. Employees should be trained on how to identify and avoid potential threats, such as phishing emails or suspicious downloads.
• Regular Backups: In the event of a malware attack, having recent backups of your data can minimize the impact and allow for a quicker recovery. It is important to regularly back up all critical data and store it in a secure location.

Benefits of Professional IT Security

There are many DIY strategies you could mix together for malware protection so why work with an IT expert?

Partnering with a professional IT security provider can offer many benefits for your company’s malware prevention efforts, including:

• Use Less of Your Time and Effort: IT professionals are experts in identifying, preventing, and mitigating malware threats. Working with them allows you to focus on your core business operations without having to worry about cybersecurity.
• Expertise and Up-to-Date Knowledge: IT security professionals are trained and experienced in dealing with the latest threats and vulnerabilities. They stay on top of emerging trends and continuously update their skills to provide the best protection for their clients.
• Continuous Monitoring and Support: An IT security provider will not only implement preventative measures but also constantly monitor for potential threats and provide timely support in the event of an attack.
• Compliance with Regulations: With the increasing number of data privacy regulations, it is crucial for companies to have proper cybersecurity measures in place. A professional IT security provider can help ensure compliance with these regulations.

Stay Protected Against Malware with Current TEK Solutions

Partner with Current TEK for malware protection and get a team of experts ready to keep your business safe. Our IT security services include antivirus software, firewalls, email and web filters, employee training, regular backups, and more.We also offer regular monitoring and support to ensure your company is always protected against the latest threats. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive IT security solutions.