Digital systems are ubiquitous, and every year technology improves, resulting in new applications and possibilities. Unfortunately, this includes new opportunities for cybercrime.
Malware has always been a tried and tested technique in cybercriminal repertoires. However, technological innovations mean malware is even more devastating than ever.
While the malware of the past could certainly damage your IT systems, the groups behind it were less organized and focused. Today, organized ransomware groups threaten to lock down your files and cripple your company. Read on to learn what can you do to mount an effective malware defense.
If you want to protect your company from malware, you need to consider possible attack vectors. Malware could sneak into your systems through malicious email attachments, questionable software downloads, and even compromised hardware.
Successful malware defense requires you to take all these attack routes into account. Cybercriminals like to take the path of least resistance, so they're likely to focus on where your defense is weakest.
For example, if your company has robust email scanning systems to check every incoming mail for malware, a smart cybercriminal might try a hardware-based attack. Often, leaving an infected drive outside your offices is all it takes. A curious staff member takes the drive and plugs it into their workstation and ransomware takes hold.
Ransomware attacks are so effective because they happen almost instantaneously. Once someone at your company opens an infected file, the malware will rapidly spread around the whole network and take hold. There's no sense in trying to unplug network cables or shut down servers because your files are encrypted before you can think.
The only way to prevent malware from spreading is to implement systems ahead of time to limit the impact. By segmenting your network and data storage, you prevent any kind of malware from taking over the entire system.
Not only does this prevent external malware from spreading, but it also helps limit the damage that an insider threat can do from their company account.
A malware attack targeting data can be devastating to companies that don't have a backup system in place. If you're hit with ransomware, the ideal defense is to have a robust backup system so you can simply roll back to an old backup.
This is one of the most crucial ransomware tips, as a well-functioning backup system means ransomware threats are largely ineffective. Companies without backups in place often have no alternative but to pay the ransom. However, with good data recovery measures in place, the worst-case scenario is losing a day's work.
If you want an effective malware defense, you'll need to carefully consider all kinds of potential attacks. Of course, without a technical mindset, it's hard to think of all the possibilities.
EnvisionIT Solutions is here to help. We have the knowledge and experience required to do a thorough risk assessment on all your IT infrastructure. If your organization has any glaring security holes, we're sure to find them.
Contact us today to get a free assessment of your company systems.
