Malware: malicious software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorised access to computer systems. Most people are aware of the dangers posed by computer viruses but many underestimate their prevalence. In fact, more than 560,000 new pieces of malware are discovered each day, while there are over 1 billion malware programs in existence which, if not stopped, can cause extensive disruption and financial damage for businesses.
Malware viruses pose a serious risk to your business’s profit, performance, and survival. If a virus successfully penetrates your organisation’s network by evading out-of-date antivirus protection, it can wreak havoc before you’ve even realised it’s there, stealing sensitive data, locking files, or even erasing critical information.
To combat these risks, it is essential to use up-to-date antivirus software that can effectively detect and neutralise threats. Modern antivirus solutions are designed to tackle viruses, ransomware, and spyware, ensuring comprehensive protection for your network devices.
One of the simplest ways to enhance the security of your IT hardware is to only download applications from official platforms, such as the Microsoft Store, Google Play, or the Apple App Store, which verify the authenticity of apps, significantly reducing the risk of downloading malicious software. Also, downloading from official stores enables automatic updates for apps and the operating system, ensuring that vulnerabilities are promptly patched without you having to invest any of your worktime on the task.
Computer viruses are constantly evolving, so it can be challenging to stay ahead of cybercriminals. That’s why it is imperative to regularly check that your business’s antivirus software is up to date to maintain robust device security. Without timely updates, your antivirus may fail to recognise new and emerging threats, leaving your system vulnerable to harmful malware attacks, data loss, and network performance problems.
When someone gets a headache, a fever, or a new pain, it signifies the possible onset of an infection, and remedial action is taken to reduce symptoms. In a similar way, unusual device behaviour is often a warning of a malware infection. If your computers or business network experience sudden slowdowns, frequent crashes, or an increase in pop-ups, it can suggest that your antivirus protection has been breached. In this situation, immediately down tools and run a full-system scan. Scheduling regular scans, too, will ensure that hidden threats are promptly identified and addressed, thereby minimising potential damage.
For antivirus software to deliver maximum protection, it must be properly configured. This includes enabling real-time scanning, scheduling routine scans, and ensuring that critical updates are automatically installed. A well-configured antivirus solution balances robust security with efficient device performance, allowing users to work without disruption.
For more information about how we can help you to keep your business’s malware and virus protection software up to date and primed to ward off the most dangerous threats, please call Vantage IT today on 01296 668 966 or send us a message.
