Avoiding Malware: Consult With an IT Specialist

Malware is a general term for any application on your computer that causes harm. Most types of malware attempt to gain authorized access to your systems, disrupt your workflows or even damage your equipment directly. Common examples of malware include adware, spyware, worms, Trojan horses and ransomware.

Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to avoid malware (or reduce the impact on your business if it gets onto your network). Check them out below. 

Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional IT specialist is probably the best protection you have against malware. Professionals can ensure that you are using the proper security software and actively monitor your network to prevent attacks. They have a range of skills and tools that they deploy to provide you with maximum protection. 

Professionals are valuable because they take a high-level view of your current IT security situation. They can point out where your vulnerabilities are and what you can specifically do to reduce them. They can also give you a strategy that enables you to continue protecting your network to a high level, both now and in the future. 

Set Up Firewalls and Cybersecurity

Setting up a comprehensive cybersecurity plan (usually with the help of professionals) is another powerful way to avoid malware. 

For instance, many companies install a range of anti-malware software services that work together to prevent harmful programs from getting onto the network. 

Firms install firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to their networks by third-parties. They also install software that monitors for specific types of malware, such as adware or spyware. 

By using multiple methods to protect themselves, they can boost their overall cybersecurity.

Data Backup Plans

Data backup plans are another vital pillar in a company’s defense against malware. Companies use cloud storage to distribute their documents, customer data and files so that even if their primary servers go down, they can recover all their information. 

Data backup plans are specific schedules that detail how and where companies will store their data. Good policies store information across two different mediums (such as HDD and SSD) across two or more locations. 

Safe Passwords

Another pillar of protecting against malware is safe passwords. The stronger your passwords are, the more difficult hackers will find it to steal them and install unwanted programs on your IT network. 

Quality passwords have more than 10 characters, use both upper and lower case, and include numbers. They also use a random string of letters and numbers, not recognizable words. 

Train Employees on Safe IT

Lastly, you’ll want to train your employees on safe IT. Training helps employees: 

• Recognize phishing and social engineering attacks
• Respond to dress rehearsal practice attacks
• Write great passwords with excellent security
• Use the internet in a way that won’t put the company’s network at risk

Training employees pays dividends. Every attack you avoid potentially represents savings of millions of dollars. 

Regular training is critical. New types of attacks come monthly, and employees need to remain conscious of the threats the business faces.