Some companies may wonder at times, with the seemingly ever-increasing reports of malware and ransomware attacks, if their investment in antivirus software serves a useful purpose. The answer is “yes”, antivirus software still serves a useful purpose, but companies need to think of their antivirus software as part of a comprehensive plan to thwart off attacks rather than the definitive answer to data security.
Antivirus software does run checks every time a user opens a file and most programs also run at regularly scheduled times to check all files on various types of computer equipment. These are still valid checks against threats, however, some of the other components that companies need to address with regard to ensuring data integrity include:
- user behavior and activity monitoring,
- firewall, network and IT infrastructure security,
- enforcement of strong passwords changed on a regular basis and
- a company-wide plan for the use of BYODs (bring your own devices).
The above items are part of a good security plan, but companies should not consider antivirus software as dead. Just as threats evolve, so does antivirus software. Now antivirus companies are broadening their horizons and adding new features such as ransomware-specific protection that monitors files that behave unusually.
One of the most important things a company can do is to make sure their IT staff understands they are fully committed to a backup and recovery plan that is tested on a regular basis. Here is an example of a hospital who was able to recover from an attack because they had a good backup and recovery plan and here is an example of a hospital who was not so fortunate. Companies can weather some tough attacks if they have a solid plan to restore their data after a security breach.
Here at Nerds In A Flash, we understand your concerns about security threats. We can help you design a comprehensive security plan that will help ensure your company’s most precious asset, your data, is protected.
