Top Tips to Protect Your PC from Malware

Estimates from Accenture’s Cost of Cybercrime Study show us that 43% of cyber-attacks are aimed at small businesses. Despite the staggering figure, only 14% of SMBs are adequately prepared to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Data from IBM suggests that costs of data breaches continue to rise with an average cost of $3.86 million globally in 2020. Damages from global ransomware attacks are expected to be on the rise as well with costs estimated to reach $20 billion by 2021. With intensifying volume and severity of attacks, there is growing pressure on companies to protect valuable business and client data from data breaches.

Understanding Vulnerability in Computer Security

A computer system vulnerability can be simply defined as a flaw or weakness in a system or network that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to gain illicit access, manipulate the network, steal data and/ or cause other damages. Vulnerabilities are different from “cyber threats” as the latter are external to the network and often involve an outside element. In contrast, computer system vulnerabilities already exist on the network asset. Vulnerabilities can be a result of unanticipated fallouts from the interactions of different software programs, system components, or hidden flaws in a specific program. The incredibly complex nature of modern network architecture makes it virtually impossible to address all vulnerabilities. The best organizations can do is to mitigate risks by addressing all known vulnerabilities and continuously audit and monitor their systems for more. You should also keep a track of the most common network vulnerabilities and address them quickly. For the best malware removal and malware protection solutions, please contact Managed IT Security Los Angeles.

How to Remove Malware from Your PC?

Keep your Antivirus updated

Always ensure that your Malware Antivirus software remains fully updated with the latest virus definitions. Because the software is the engine that helps your antivirus detect malware and remain effective against evolving versions of malware. Antivirus vendors tend to continually update these lists based on the discovery of new viruses and Trojans across the world and in the lab. Even a lapse of a single day in updating your software can result in a severe risk of infection. Apart from the generally pre-installed free virus/threat protection with Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows systems that gets updated automatically (provided you have system updates turned on), companies should also invest in some of the most reputed antivirus programs. Full security suites such as Kaspersky Security Cloud, Kaspersky Internet Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, Bitdefender Total Security, and Norton 360 Deluxe could be good recommendations depending on your specific use case. It is important to keep in mind that these third party security solutions are often cross-platform, i.e. they are capable of protecting not just Windows systems, but other platforms as well.

Restore your system, reboot, and scan

If you suspect that you have been the victim of a malware attack and your system refuses to respond to usual tricks of fixing it, you could save your system and workflow by reverting to an earlier System Restore point (provided you have them set in Windows). Microsoft suggests that once the restart and reboot is complete, you should take the time to do a 15-minute scan to scan your system for “rootkits and other highly persistent malware”. IT Support Los Angeles offers a wide variety of tools for malware detection and malware removal.

Use an anti-malware app

Most users are wary enough these days to take care and install an anti-malware app. However, many continue to lack the awareness to keep their anti-malware app updated. However, the last action may well be quite as critical as the first in keeping your systems updated to secure your PC against viruses and other malware (malicious software). Microsoft Defender is ubiquitous as it is the free anti-malware software that is included with Windows, and is generally updated automatically, thanks to regular Windows Updates. For enhanced protection, it is advisable to use full suite security solutions from reputed third-party security services providers. However, you also need to keep in mind that running multiple anti-malware apps could negatively impact system performance and cause your PC to run slower than usual and even become unstable. Microsoft Defender offers a sort of workaround by shutting itself down automatically when you try to run an anti-malware app from a different company. However, trying to run two anti-malware apps from third-party service providers could potentially complicate matters.

Always update Windows

They should be a no-brainer for most users and organizations. Microsoft special security updates go a long way in protecting your PCs from evolving security threats. These are released periodically and can help significantly to secure your systems against viruses and other malware attacks by patching vulnerabilities and all potential security loopholes. The easiest way to receive these updates is by enabling Windows Update on your PC that ensures that your system automatically downloads these updates. The only minor irritation for users may be that they may need to reboot their systems for the updates to get installed completely.

Use your internet browser’s privacy settings

Users must remain aware that websites can often try and steal/ use their personal info. This information can later be used for targeted advertising, fraud, and even to commit identity theft. A simple way to protect yourself against this can be to use the privacy settings that most modern browsers already come equipped with.  This allows you to exert some degree of control over what the websites can see or do with your personal information. Security solutions from Managed IT Services Los Angeles can be your business’ best bet against Malware Infection.