Recent months have seen headlines full of cyberattack victims, from fuel pipeline networks to businesses and universities. Malware is a common component of these assaults, infecting the networks of enterprises and organisations, sometimes stealing private data, holding companies to ransom or simply spying on their confidential dealings.

Today, we’re going to explore six tips firms and their staff can take to combat this insidious form of cybercriminal activity and enhance levels of online security:

1. Watch what you open

Most malware attacks are still spreading through insidious phishing emails. These cunningly crafted messages typically contain infected attachments that masquerade as authentic documents like important invoices or updated terms and conditions.

When these attachments are opened, a malware payload is deployed, infecting the user’s device. If the computer is linked to other devices via a network, malware can spread causing havoc across a company’s infrastructure. Never open attachments from unknown senders and don’t be embarrassed to seek out verification from the email sender to authenticate their identity.

2. Update operating systems, apps and software on schedule

Many forms of malware depend on taking advantage of vulnerabilities in software and systems, so it is critical that all company devices are rigorously updated. These updates will feature security patches for any weaknesses discovered, and once installed will ensure your system and computers have the best level of protection possible.

3. Beware of online chat platforms

Along with emails, threat operators also use social engineering tactics in online forums and chat apps to release malware. You might receive an emergency request to perform a task or click on an included link, but these are just more tactics to fool you into downloading malware to your device. Again, verify any requests to ensure they are authentic and if you are asked to visit another site, never use links given. Instead, type website addresses into your secure browser to ensure you are going to a real site and not one designed for phishing.

4. Safer browsing and blocking

Keeping your browser updated will ensure the most recent updates are always installed for safer searching while blocking pop-ups can be a smart move to avoid a malware infection. Malware operators will exploit any avenue open to them, so tightening all your online defences is wise wherever possible.

5. Back up regularly

Ensure your systems, software and data records are all efficiently backed up. Should the worst happen, and your company gets hit by a malware attack, you can quickly restore your operation with a clean copy that’s entirely up to date.

6. Use a secure workspace

With no passwords saved and zero backdoors for hackers to exploit, the Galaxkey Secure Workspace has been designed to offer your personnel a safe place to perform their roles. Staff can employ easy-to-use encryption to secure communications and documents, and verify email senders with innovative tools to sidestep spoofing attacks and unwanted malware drops.

Get in touch with our team to book a free trial of our secure solution and ramp up protection levels at your enterprise today.