Is Your Business Safe From Malware?

This story is becoming more and more common lately – A client calls in because their computer appears to be infected by a virus, despite having the latest anti-virus software installed on their PC. Further investigation confirms the PC to be infected, not by a virus, but by a malicious piece of software, also known as “malware”. Sometimes the malware can be removed, restoring the computer to full operational status, although the operation can take hours. Other times, the computer is so deeply infected by malware that the only option is to copy all important data off the PC, wipe the hard drive clean, and re-install the operating system and all applications from scratch, which can take days. In either case, productivity is lost, and your business loses time and money. How can you prevent this situation from happening and, if it does, how can Best Technology get you back on your feet as soon as possible?

1. Be careful with file attachment – Emails with file attachments are practically a way of life in the business world. While some IT experts warn you to never open attachments, even from people you know, that’s impossible to follow in the office. You should, however, be careful when you receive attachments in an email. If you’re expecting them, there shouldn’t be a problem. If not, only open the attachment if it’s from somebody you know and have verified the email was sent by that person. Opening an unverified file attachment can lead to malware installing on your PC

2. Be even more careful with website links – You should also follow the above practice with any website links sent via email. In fact, if you are not 100% confident with the source of the email, it is better to manually type the link into your web browser instead of clicking the link as the text in the email may not match the actual link destination. Clicking on an unverified link can trigger downloading malware to your PC, doing so in the background and leaving the user completely unaware of the problems their computer is about to experience.

3. Download only from trusted sites – If you need to download a file, whether it be a document or an application installer, only do so from sites you know you can trust, such as Microsoft or CNet’s Download.com. Sites and file sharing services like BitTorrent sometimes contain files infected with malware, so avoid using those sites and services. If you’re unsure as to the security of a download site, contact Best Technology for assistance. We can research the site and determine whether or not it is a security risk for your business.

4. Use an alternate web browser – While Microsoft has improved the security in it’s Internet Explorer web browser, there are still holes in IE’s security which hackers and malware can exploit, endangering your business and your time. Best Technology recommends downloading and installing Google’s Chrome browser, which features enhanced malware protection in it’s privacy settings. You can download Google Chrome here. Keep in mind, Chrome may not be compatible with certain site that require Internet Explorer.  Trial and error is the best approach.

5. Take the time to learn about virtualization – Using virtual machines to run your workstation PCs and servers can result in faster recovery time during a malware situation.  We can help you with virtualization.

6. Contact Best Technology ASAP – If you suspect a malware infection, contact a Best Technology consultant IMMEDIATELY. The staff at Best Technology have the latest information and tools for handling malware infections. We can minimize the malware’s impact on your business and get you up and running quickly and successfully. To speak with a Best Technology Business Technology Consultant, call us at 440-471-0344. You can also e-mail Best Technology with any questions or issues you may have. We will respond to you as soon as possible to answer your questions and create a plan to resolve your issues.