How To Effectively Protect Your Computer And Data From Malicious Software

Featured Article by Jelena, Indepent Technology Writer

Attacks on business computers and data are more prevalent today than a few years ago. Hackers can use malicious software embedded in emails, websites and downloadable files to infect your computer, or to steal valuable financial information, business records, and research data. Therefore, protecting your companies network, computers, and mobile devices must be a top priority. Here are some things you can do to shield your business from hackers and malicious software.

Perform a Security Audit

To effectively secure your business data, you must know the parts of your IT infrastructure that are vulnerable and how your data can be protected. With the help of an experienced IT security professional, you should carry out a security audit on your network, desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Then you should implement all the important recommendations on how to shield all these devices from maleware and hackers. After the audit, train your staff on how to implement the best data security practices and minimize security breaches.

Turn on Firewalls

A firewall is a system designed to protect your network and computers from unauthorised access. Depending on the size of your network, your firewall may include both hardware and software components. Popular operating systems like Windows and Mac come with their own firewalls. However, you need to make sure that they are always turned on and they are properly configured to give you maximum protection. Firewalls are also available for mobile devices that are used to access corporate networks. For additional firewall protection on your network servers, you may purchase other commercial firewall software.

Use Updated Antivirus and Antispyware Software

In addition to firewalls, you must also install antivirus and anti-spyware software on your computers and mobile devices. Antivirus software is a set of programs that shield your computer from malicious software by scanning, searching, detecting and removing worms, trojans, adware and other dangerous programs and scripts. Most reliable antivirus software come with various modules designed to detect threats, stop maleware from embedding itself into the computer, scan emails, and provide alerts when certain websites with poor security ratings are opened. Virtually all antivirus packages have an auto-update feature which connects to the developer’s website several times a day to download updates. But these updates may also be downloaded daily and placed on the corporate network server in order to minimize network traffic.

Use Strong Passwords

Passwords, personal identification numbers and other forms of sensitive data are usually the prime target of hackers. That is why it is extremely important for you and your colleagues at work to avoid using simple passwords that can easily be guessed by hackers. A strong password should have 7 or more characters and it should consist of both upper-case and lower-case letters as well as numbers and special symbols like @, !, #, $, %, &, *, +,-, and others that are difficult to guess. Most hackers will try to hack passwords using an automated tool that begins with a “dictionary attack” which attempts to use dictionary words and digits to crack passwords.

Cross-check Email Attachments

Businesses usually have to deal with scores of emails every day. Therefore, you must ensure that you shield your mailbox and computers from malicious mails. Use the spam filter that comes with your email software. This will ensure that most unsafe emails are delivered to a spam folder where you can delete them without opening them. Beware of unsolicited emails that contain attachments and strange links. Don’t download attachments from people you don’t know and be wary of clicking on suspicious links in emails. To reduce the frequency of spam and malicious emails, you should avoid posting your email address carelessly online. Instead, you should offer your website visitors a contact form that will use a script to mail the contents to an undisclosed mail address which you can use to provide feedback.

Establish User Account Controls

User Account Controls (UAC) will alert you when any part of your operating system is about to be changed by an external program. This is particularly important when you use the Windows operating system. Most maleware that attack this operating system will try to install themselves in the registry. But if you have your UAC turned on, you will see a pop up window or dialogue box asking you to accept or reject the intended change. If you did not initiate the action, always reject it.

Conclusion

Securing your business’s data from malicious software and hackers can save you from huge financial losses. The simple and practical solutions provided above will help to shield your business IT infrastructure and make it less vulnerable to most maleware and attacks from hackers.