Cloud Communications

What You Need to Know Now to Stop Malware in Its Tracks

By Michelle Amodio TMCnet Contributor

Malicious software, better known simply as malware, can wreak havoc on sensitive data, corporate computers and communications systems. Of course, stopping malware from even getting close to your systems is not a single-step process. It’s rather a multi-pronged approach requiring not just a sufficient malware protection solution, but a seriously proactive approach on your end.

No one knows warding off malware better than the experts at GFI Labs, who have thankfully offered us some helpful tips when it comes to protecting these systems – ranging from data to cloud communications. It all starts with some simple yet perhaps overlooked steps to ensure that potentially threatening malware is rather saying “farewell.”

Computer users should keep three critical things in mind: Always maintain the latest versions of content management systems (CMS), make sure third party plug-ins are up-to-date, and secure any and all websites. Another useful tip is to implement a monitoring solution for your website, such as Google (News - Alert) WebMaster Tools, which will tip you off if your website has been compromised in any way.

Aside from proactive measures from computer users, there is always antivirus protection software. What needs to be realized when selecting the right antivirus solution is that not all antivirus programs are created equal. In fact, NSS Labs says that all too often, many of these seemingly trustworthy, available programs fail to protect against malware attacks adequately.

Even more disturbing is that, according to Kapersky Labs, only 33 percent of companies haven’t even deployed a full protection system. What these surveys and studies are essentially saying is that there are a lot of vulnerable systems out there, and since malware is such a real and timely issue, you need to combat it now.

But what can be done to combat it?

To protect all of your assets, including cloud-based communications and Web security, GFI offers the VIPRE antivirus solution that, unlike most solutions out there, uses little memory and minimizes CPU usage.

Available as a cloud-management solution, users can take advantage of features such as cloud-based dashboard, quick set up and remote protection, all without the need of an additional database or server.

For added Web security, GFI’s WebMonitor can protect networks while increasing productivity, prevent data leakage, monitor all traffic and maximize bandwidth, all while protecting what’s most important – your valuable data.

As organizations consider antimalware strategies, remember that there is no quick fix to this growing threat. Effective approaches incorporate detective and preventative controls that create multiple defensive layers, both relying on the user and the tools for overall security.

To learn more about all of GFI’s offerings, visit www.gfi.com.

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