The 5 Controls of Cyber Essentials – Malware protection
Leo Daniels • December 1, 2020
Malware has become the most common form of computer virus; its purpose is to cause harm by attacking legitimate software, making copies of itself, and sending itself to any computer associated with the host.
Most attacks are used for financial gain; “The estimated cost of ransomware attacks: 2020 – £14 billion” – this is the appeal to attackers – made easier for them as many businesses do not understand what a virus is capable of when it manages to get deep into an operating system. They can cause untold damage to your computer and any device that is connected to the same network. The problems vary when a system is infected from malfunctioning systems and data loss to causing onward infection and damage elsewhere as well.
The Cyber Essentials objective
To prevent harmful code from causing damage or accessing sensitive data, you must restrict the execution of known malware and untrusted software.
How to fight back against Malware
There are precautions you can take to fight back against malware viruses.
- Be sure to only download apps from manufacturer-approved suppliers when shopping on your mobile and tablet. Do not allow your staff to download apps from unknown sources as it is unlikely that they have been checked for malware.
- USE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE! This is the most important measure to take – use it on all computers and laptops at home and in the office. Some more popular operating systems include it for free! No need to worry then, right? Wrong! These are often more basic and offer very limited levels of protection. Beyond viruses, consider whether your software specifically filters and defends against malware threats and whether your device is protected by a firewall.
- There is also another option that is slightly more technical. Certain apps and programs can be run in a ‘sandbox’, further protecting them by stopping them from communicating with other parts of your device or network.
Cyber Essentials requirements
At least one of the three options above are needed as requirements to achieve the Cyber Essentials accreditation.
We’re 1-fix, we can help you secure your business
At 1-fix, we take a realistic approach to technology – ensuring our client’s systems are best protected.
If you have any concerns, questions or simply want to explore how to better secure your business, please do get in touch with the team for a FREE demonstration, consultation to explore how exposed your business might be and identify actions to take. If you have any questions, concerns or would like to discuss how we might help you with your regulatory challenges, we’d love to chat. Please click the banner below to book a call, or contact us straight away on 0118 926 0084 or by email to info@1-fix.com.
Thank you for reading.
This is a subtitle for your new post
Join Our Mailing List
All sign-ups are handled inline with our privacy policy and can unsubscribe at any time.
Recent Blogs
Discover the key benefits of outsourced IT support, from enhanced cybersecurity and 24/7 monitoring to cost savings and regulatory compliance.
Stay cyber secure while travelling with 10 expert tips. Use VPNs, avoid public Wi-Fi, and protect your data on the go.
In a world where AI is changing how we work and compete, security is more important than ever. We are gathering industry leaders and AI experts for a special roundtable event. This event will focus on a key topic: AI security.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic offers a range of cloud-based services designed to empower businesses to work smarter and more efficiently. Let's delve into what this package includes and how it can benefit your organisation.
We’re excited to announce an informative webinar featuring Elliot Wilkie from Brigantia and Craig Atkins from 1-Fix, diving deep into the world of DMARC on 8th July at 2 PM . This is an essential session for anyone looking to secure their email communications, understand DMARC compliance, and enhance their email deliverability.
Businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity, collaboration, and security, all whilst managing costs effectively. Microsoft Office 365 presents a comprehensive solution that caters to these needs. Here’s a breakdown of the seven key benefits of using Office 365 for your business.
