Cybersecurity 101: Simple hacks for reducing malware attacks

Cybersecurity is a relevant concern for all brands around the world. IT networks are hybrid and heterogenous in most organizations, and it is almost impossible to do away with cloud and web services. When it comes to cybersecurity, malware attacks remain the most common form of cyberattacks. There are various ways in which malware attacks happen, but mostly, it’s related to phishing and network scanning. In this post, let’s discuss how companies can reduce such malware attacks and improve cybersecurity.

Reviewing malware attacks

1. Network scanning. If a company has a vulnerable network/website/app, malware systems may find such vulnerabilities through a network/web scan and attack the same. Once a system has been attacked by malware, it may infect other systems on the same network.
2. Phishing, in simple words, is the process of attracting users to sign up for web services, as a garb for installing malicious malware. Sensitive data, including passwords and login information, once divulged can lead to a malware infection.

Is it possible to prevent malware attacks?

Yes, there are several steps that can be considered for preventing malware attacks. Here are some of them-

1. Consider network segmentation and firewalls. Firewalls protect systems from untrusted systems and networks in the most effective way. Then there is network segmentation, which basically means segmenting the entire network into independent and isolated networks, so that compromise or malware attack on one doesn’t impact others.
2. Keep a watch on software programs. Software systems and apps that are not in use or outdated have to be uninstalled, while all other existing software programs must be updated. Patching has to be done regularly and make sure that firmware is updated.
3. Watch passwords. All default ID and passwords must be changed, and there are many guides online on how to create a strong a password. In the nutshell, passwords need to be strong with uppercase & lowercase letters, must have special characters, and should be at least 10 characters long. Since employees often need to manage many passwords, using a password management tool is extremely important.

Another good idea is to reboot routers, which can disable certain malware. Managing and patching routers on a regular basis is highly recommended for preventing malware attacks. Networks must be scanned and checked for vulnerabilities, and as required, it is critical to have backups. A few steps can prevent malware attacks and consequences related to it. Do not leave your systems and networks vulnerable.