The 2024 Malware Protection Guide

*(based on the NCSC report: Cyber Essentials: Requirements for IT infrastructure v3.1)

In an era where digital threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, the need for robust malware protection cannot be overstated. The "Malware Protection Guide: Ensuring Security Across Your Digital Landscape" is not merely a set of recommendations; it is a comprehensive blueprint designed to fortify your organisation's digital defences against the most cunning and destructive malware threats.

Objective: The primary goal of malware protection is to prevent known malware and untrusted software from compromising your systems or accessing sensitive data.

Scope: This guidance is applicable to an array of devices and services including servers, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and cloud-based services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

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Understanding the Threat

Malware, encompassing computer viruses, worms, ransomware, and other malicious software, is intentionally designed to perform harmful actions on your systems. Common sources of malware include malicious email attachments, questionable downloads (even from reputed application stores), and the installation of unauthorised software.

An infection can lead to significant operational issues, such as system malfunctions, data loss, or the undetected spread of the malware, causing harm to other parts of your organisation or beyond.

Mitigation Strategies

The risk of malware infections can be substantially mitigated by adopting two key strategies:

• Preventing Malware Delivery: This involves measures to stop malware from reaching devices.
• Preventing Malware Execution: This involves measures to stop malware from running if it does reach devices.

Illustration: An exemplary approach is seen in how Acme Corporation secures its IT infrastructure. By implementing code signing and allowing only applications vetted and approved through their device application store to run, Acme ensures that only trusted applications are installed. This significantly lowers the risk of malware infections.

Essential Requirements

To effectively shield your organisation from malware threats, the following measures must be implemented across all applicable devices:

• Active Malware Protection: Ensure that a malware protection mechanism is actively running on all devices within the defined scope. This can typically be achieved through built-in options in modern software or via third-party solutions. The key is ensuring that the protection software is always active, up-to-date as per the vendor's recommendations, and properly configured.

Protection Options

• Anti-malware Software: For devices running Windows or MacOS (including servers, desktops, and laptops), anti-malware software must be:
  • Regularly updated according to the vendor's guidelines.
  • Configured to block the execution of malware.
  • Set to prevent the execution of malicious code.
  • Set to block connections to known malicious websites.

• Application Allow Listing: Applicable to all devices within scope, this requires that:
  • Only applications verified through code signing are permitted to run.
  • Such applications are actively approved and deployed to devices.
  • A current list of approved applications is maintained, preventing the installation of any unsigned applications or those with invalid signatures.

The consequences of malware infections are severe and far-reaching, leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, and extensive harm to your organisation's reputation and bottom line. However, the good news is that these risks can be mitigated effectively through strategic, informed actions.

Implementing essential requirements across your digital infrastructure is non-negotiable. Active malware protection must be omnipresent, up-to-date, and meticulously configured. This guide delineates the protection options available, including anti-malware software and application allow listing, ensuring a robust defence mechanism is in place.

By adhering to the guidelines presented in this document, your organisation can not only reduce the risk of malware infections but also enhance the overall security and integrity of your digital environment.

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Grade your organisational risk with our comprehensive cybersecurity quiz.
🎯 Grade Your Organisational Risk: CLICK HERE

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Our quiz is more than just a set of questions; it's a window into your organisation's cybersecurity posture. By participating, you're not just testing your knowledge; you're evaluating your organisation's readiness against cyber threats.

• Easy to Understand: No technical jargon, just clear, actionable insights.
• Quick and Efficient: It won't take much of your time, but the insights you gain could save your organisation.
• Empower Your Decision Making: With the knowledge you gain, make informed decisions to enhance your cybersecurity strategy.

As your trusted MSP, we're committed to helping you navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. This quiz is the first step in a journey towards a more secure digital environment for your business.

• Assess Your Risk: Discover how secure your organization truly is.
• Tailored Insights: Receive personalised feedback based on your responses.
• Stay Ahead: Learn about potential vulnerabilities before they become issues.

Take the Quiz Now and pave the way for a safer digital future for your organization. Remember, in the realm of cybersecurity, knowledge is not just power – it's protection.

👉 Don't Wait for a Breach to Realise the Importance of Cybersecurity.