With cyberattacks and malware on the rise, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to costly disruptions and data breaches. It’s therefore crucial for businesses to consistently maintain their network to ensure it remains safe and efficient. Let’s dive into some practical tips to safeguard your network and stay one step ahead of evolving cyberthreats.
How to keep malware out of your network
Preventing malware from entering your network is far better (and cheaper) than dealing with it after it’s already inside. Proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of malware infection, the same as how maintaining a clean and dry home helps prevent mold from spreading. Here are some key steps to tidy up your network and reduce vulnerabilities:
Throw out unnecessary files and programs
Old and unused software not only take up space but also create more places for malware to hide. Outdated software, especially, might have security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized entry. Minimize the potential entry points for malware by regularly clearing out the files and applications you no longer need.
Review and revoke permissions
Next, take a close look at user permissions. Do any employees no longer require access to specific files or systems? Are there employees who have left the company? Revoking unnecessary and outdated permissions further limits potential entry points for cybercriminals. Additionally, scheduled audits of user access can ensure that only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive information.
Install and update network security measures
It’s essential to implement robust network security measures, such as antivirus software and firewalls, to block malware from your network. You can add an extra layer of security by using multifactor authentication, which requires users to provide something beyond traditional passwords, such as biometric scans or one-time codes. Regularly updating these security measures will keep them effective against emerging threats.
Keep a close watch on network activity
Get in the habit of regularly checking your network activity to catch malware before it can do damage. Try using different network monitoring tools to comprehensively analyze traffic patterns and spot any suspicious activity. Pay attention to both the traffic coming in and going out, keeping an eye out for any sudden spikes or odd data trends. By staying vigilant, you can spot and respond to threats quickly.
How to get rid of malware
In certain situations, malware may worm into your network. When that happens, it’s time to break out the heavy-duty solutions. These key steps outline what to do once you’ve detected or suspect malware is present in your network.
ID the malware
The first step is to identify its type, source, and extent of infection. Use tools such as antivirus programs, network scanners, and traffic analysis to gather this information. When you understand how the malware entered your system, how it spreads, and its symptoms, you can develop an effective plan for isolating and removing it.
Isolate and clean the infected devices
Once you determine the scope of the malware infection, disconnect the affected devices from the network to stop it from spreading or contacting external servers. Block their access or move them to a designated quarantine area.
Next, use tools like antivirus software and malware removal programs to eliminate all traces of the infection, including any harmful files, processes, and system settings. After isolating and thoroughly cleaning the infected devices, you can restore their security and functionality, preparing them for safe reconnection to the network. When you’re sure the threat has been eradicated, change all passwords used on infected devices to prevent further breaches.
Restore and patch the network
If the malware has led to significant damage or data loss, start restoring affected systems using a clean, up-to-date backup that is free from any malware. Then, update and patch all network devices and software to close any vulnerabilities that the malware may have exploited and prevent similar infections in the future.
Keeping your network clean and secure is a constant effort but one that pays dividends in mitigated malware infections and enhanced efficiency. For more ways to improve and secure your IT, consider talking with the experts at Liberty Center One. Contact us today.