Antimalware efforts: the importance of early detection
Small- and medium-sized businesses utilize a variety of methods to promote computer protection. From firewalls to carefully assigning permissions only to users who actually need them, data loss prevention usually consists of a multi-tiered approach. Ideally, this type of layered approach will completely prevent the intrusion of malware and viruses into the systems a business depends on. Unfortunately, however, the reality is that some malicious software will find its way past a firewall. The key to preventing damage to the company’s computers and the data they house can then be summed up in two words: early detection.
Scanning software is instrumental in these early detection efforts. Noticing the presence of viruses,worms, bots, Trojans, and other forms of malware before true damage can be done is a central tenet of data loss protection – along with, of course, a robust system of backups so that data recovery can proceed if the worst case scenario comes to pass.
Early detection: two types of scanning
A strong antimalware system needs to be able to perform two types of scans: event-based and scheduled. Early antivirus programs generally only used the latter approach. Users could configure the software to perform targeted or full-system scans at pre-determined intervals. While this certainly did help to catch viruses, it cannot really be considered “early detection,” not even if the scans are configured to run every day. This is because during the interim between detection scans, many viruses had plenty of time to wreak havoc on a system, performing actions such as reassigning permissions, harvesting data for useful information such as credit card numbers or passwords, or even erasing huge sections of the hard drives attached to the computer.
True early detection requires scans that are triggered by system events. Instead of accepting all email and scanning it later, for example, the arrival of an email will immediately cause the system to scan incoming files. If a problem is detected, the email can be instantly quarantined, which in most cases will keep the virus or malware attached to it from being able to cause damage to data or systems.
It’s Time for a System Audit
Are you concerned your AntiMalware and Data Protection measures are out of date or need to be more robust? Take advantage of Great Lakes Computer’s FREE OFFER for a proactive review of your computer network systems and security. Gain the knowledge you need to be able to manage your system’s integrity and security.
If you would like to learn how we can help please contact us sales@grlakes.com