What are the best ways to protect your network from malware?

Antivirus software is no longer sufficient as the major defense against modern cyber threats. Several factors, including its reliance on signature-based detection, inability to handle zero-day vulnerabilities, and the rise of sophisticated attacks like APTs and phishing, have rendered it obsolete. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions, with their real-time monitoring, behavioral analysis, and integration capabilities, should be an integral part of a broader cybersecurity strategy, alongside other advanced security measures, to effectively counter evolving threats.

Malware is no longer just and endpoint problem. To prevent malware aka the 'bad stuff' from getting into a network / organisation, one needs to adopt a multi layered strategy involving defence in depth. a healthy mix of network centric and endpoint centric controls, with increased observability (i.e. anomaly detection) underpinned by the hygiene bits will go a long way in helping keep the bad stuff out.

fundamental and decisive factor is internal training about malware. informing users of the problem reduces the possibility of "sloppy" installations. additional method is to block all external SW installation. what I mean in general is that it is not possible to protect oneself 100% without everyone helping together and being safety conscious. additional methods are i.a. protection software, network segmentation, FW, etc. as a last measure is to introduce nonpersistant OS

Classic AV does 2 things usually, and very good at them Real-time blocking, so URL, Domains, Files are compared against a know list of evil and badness. Scanning the system, where I look for a know list of bad things from configuration to files. You need both if the last few months has not taught us, that nothing is perfect and thing sneak by. This weekly, daily, monthly, will eventually find it most likely but could be months or even years. Both These controls are needed for modern cybersecurity.

I don't think there is one stand-alone technology that can provide effective protection from malware threats. Instead, I personally recommend using what I call it a collaborative mechanism that acts at different levels: - Network level: by implementing IPSs and VPNs - Host level: by deploying Anti-malware tools and vulnerability scanners - User level: by providing training and awareness sessions, and security policies. By deploying the above mentioned mechanism, I believe a high accurate protection approach from malware threats could be activated.

This is a very good practice; however, it's a good idea to complement it with Software Management Policies and Catalogs that allow users to only executed specific already tested and validated pieces of software according to their role in the company. This reduces the attack vectors available and creates a more robust and in-depth defense at the host level.

Security patches are indeed critical but the challenge is prioritizing the mitigation. This can be based on the criticality of the systems affected (but that requires asset inventory and strict adoption of a cybersecurity framework for mapping of systems/apps to a high/medium/low "sensitivity") or the severity of the vulnerability. One can have hundreds of vulnerabilities affecting thousands of endpoints so the development of a prioritization process is critical. Full support of senior management is also critical in developing of a security-focused culture that would put the mitigation of vulnerabilities at the top of their list.

In case we are talking about employee endpoints it is crucial to have MDM solution in place. It can effectively roll out patches, give you ability to built granular security polices on the devices and effectively react in case of infection. Moreover simply rolling out empty MDM can protect you from "stock" malware for example on Apple devices, because MDM enables another execution flow in many security daemons. On top of that you should carefully craft policy for using BYOD devices and in some cases force to install MDM and EDR solution on it in order to have access to corporate systems. And do not forget about mobile devices - the same things works for them as well. Nowadays many jobs can be done from the palm of your hand. Be safe!

Enterprises often overlook the importance of vulnerability management as a service, missing out on its benefits. This oversight can leave them vulnerable to cyber threats and compliance issues. Vulnerability management is vital for mitigating cybersecurity risks, ensuring compliance, and maintaining trust. Offering it as a service brings expertise, scalability, cost-efficiency, and timely response capabilities. Patch management, a key part of vulnerability management, ensures that systems remain secure by addressing known vulnerabilities.

Applying security patches, also known as patch management, refers to the process of installing updates, fixes, and security patches provided by software and hardware vendors to address vulnerabilities and security issues in their products. These patches are essential to keep systems and software secure and up-to-date. Quick best practice guide: 1. Vulnerability Assessment 2. Patch Prioritization 3.Patch Testing 4. Patch Scheduling 5.Patch Deployment 6. Rollback Plan 7. Asset Inventory 8. Vendor Notifications 9. Patch Documentation 10. Monitoring 11. Compliance 12. Third-Party Software 13. Backup Keep safe :)

How about instead of asking people to provide free labor to your content farm, you consider paying people for the work they do, instead of just assuming you can get it for free? You have some nerve asking people to just do your work for you for absolutely nothing! I do this work professionally, writing advice and technical guidance. No, I will not offer this to LinkedIn for nothing. You want my labor? PAY ME. And everyone else who has already contributed, too. Seriously, you have a lot of nerve. I know who owns your company and they're not skint.

Segments are separated by more than a router or vlan. Security appliances such as a firewall can help you define your policy and segments so that they actually stop communication when you want to. You can even require VPNs or reauthentication to access especially secure zones or segments. This is one of the most effective ways of securing your network.

Network segmentation and access control can help 'contain' a malware attack. Though this is in part dependant on the type of attack under way. So when designing network segmentation, etc., you need to understand the bigger picture implications of such segmentation to maximise security benefits. For example to constrain infection/ hacking access scope, etc. For example, if your staff workstations are segmented at the network level is all the data they produce stored and maintained in the same location across the network; or are different departments separated at the network and data storage levels. If the latter access controls

Network segmentation, a strategic approach, partitions your network into isolated segments based on various criteria like function, location, or access level. Its significance lies in safeguarding your network from malware threats. In case one segment is compromised, others remain secure, limiting the infection's scope and impact. Moreover, network segmentation enhances network performance, management, and monitoring. Implementation should align with your network's specific requirements, utilizing firewalls, routers, or switches to regulate traffic between segments. This method bolsters security and overall network efficiency.

Network segmentation would help indeed but implementing it successfully in the current hybrid infrastructure could pose significant challenges. The complexity of the traffic between various network segments may lead to a wide range of whitelisting and exceptions that may, in effect, render the network segmentation meaningless. I recommend a PoC/pilot implementation to assess the effectivness of network isolation controls, before committing to a full scale implementation. Ideally, the segmentation would be applied transparently, without a need for ACLs, firewall rules, etc.

Educating users about the importance of a healthy security culture is vital to building a functioning, sustainable security program. Phishing emails often contain malicious attachments or links that commonly lead to malware infections when opened. Teaching users about the threats presented by this vector, not only the proper process for being cautious and reporting phish, but the importance of “see something, say something” for any anomaly, can enable users to be apart of protecting the organization.

While end-user training and security awareness are important for any organization, the end-users are most likely not going to be responsible for encryption technologies, backup and restoration, or removing malware. Training should be focused on how to help prevent downloading malware, including downloading files from unknown sources and saving and executing email attachments. Although there are complimentary technical controls that can help achieve that, education about information security should be an ongoing process to keep your users up to date and informed about the risks of malware and how it's executed.

Maybe the most important one. Does not matters how you segment the net, or how much do you spend in anti malware. If you do not constantly educate all your users, you are just one click of distance to be hit.

Many security breaches and cyberattacks occur due to human errors or actions. Users can inadvertently expose sensitive information or compromise security through actions like clicking on malicious links or opening infected email attachments. Proper education helps users recognize potential threats and avoid risky behaviour.

Training, training, training... and constant audits. Users can unknowingly allow malware into the network through actions like opening malicious emails or using infected devices. Training users to recognize and avoid these threats reduces the risk of infection. This includes teaching them to identify suspicious content, using strong passwords (By policy even), regularly backup data, and follow network security best practices. Never hesitate to reach out to your org's IT team for guidance, better safe than sorry.

Due to the tone and nature of the article, I'm afraid I have to disagree that this should be on the list. Malware analysis is a highly complex and potentially dangerous endeavor for most companies to take on. I agree that analysis could give your security team intel on bespoke malware your company may encounter. However, many organizations are still falling victim to commoditized malware. The analysis could help you identify tactics, techniques, malicious URLs, and installed software—all combined indicators of compromise (IoCs). However, without a straightforward way to get these into your protective and detective tools, your team and dollars would be best spent on solutions that can do this automatically.

Definitely a requirement to aid protection against malware. You also need to have effective monitoring in place as well as other processes. Monitoring is required as malware detection is predominantly based on a reactive approach to malware detection. When used in conjunction with effective monitoring, 'suspicious' activities may be detected and investigated, which may/ may not be due to malicious activities.

Malware analysis tools are indispensable for comprehending malware behavior, functionality, and origins. They play a vital role in network protection by identifying malware types, sources, and objectives, and offering insights and solutions for removal or mitigation. These tools fall into two categories: static and dynamic. Static analysis scrutinizes malware code or structure without execution, while dynamic analysis observes malware in action within controlled settings like sandboxes or virtual machines. Selecting appropriate malware analysis tools tailored to your network's needs and environment ensures accurate and comprehensive results, bolstering your network's resilience against malware threats.

You should use malware analysis tools that suit your network environment and requirements, and that can provide you with accurate and comprehensive results.

How about instead of asking people to provide free labor to your content farm, you consider paying people for the work they do, instead of just assuming you can get it for free? You have some nerve asking people to just do your work for you for absolutely nothing! I do this work professionally, writing advice and technical guidance. No, I will not offer this to LinkedIn for nothing. You want my labor? PAY ME. And everyone else who has already contributed, too. Seriously, you have a lot of nerve. I know who owns your company and they're not skint.

Protecting your organization from malware is not a one shot effort, whether that be a tool or a process. You need to think about the totality of people, processes, and technologies needed to establish a firm foundation. In that regard, the CIS Top 18 controls are your best starting point. All of these control recommendations, and in particular the first 5, are the keys to creating that foundation on which you can build your information security program with confidence.

Regular Backups: Create and maintain regular backups of critical data. Ensure that backups are stored securely and can be restored in the event of a malware attack or data loss. Vendor and Third-party Risk Management: Assess and monitor the security practices of third-party vendors and partners who have access to your network or provide services to your organization. Zero Trust Security Model: Consider adopting a zero trust security model, which assumes that no one, whether inside or outside the network, can be trusted without verification.

One additional element is the value of partnerships and outsourcing. It is not a perfect solution or a silver bullet; However, valued partners like Managed Detection and Response (MDR) or other Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) could help bolster your team's defenses. Many organizations want their cake and eat it, too. We all like low-cost employees who can engineer solutions and build applications/websites while keeping them secure. However, as businesses need to align budgets toward money-making endeavors, security often falls by the wayside. Having a contracted team with clear SLAs and service catalogs is a valuable program addition, which can help watch your backs as companies continue to compete and innovate.

Protecting a network from malware requires a multi-layered approach that combines preventive, detective, and responsive measures. That means to protect the networks, we will need to use several security systems that works in different ways and layers as well: 1. Policy and signatures: Antivirus, Anti-Malware, EDR, FW, IDS/IPS, WAF etc. 2. Netowrk perspective: Network Segmentation, micro-segmentation, switches and etc. 3. Patch Management 4. Web Filtering and Content Filtering 5. Access Controls 6. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) 7. Detection and response: Incident Response Plan, MDR, SOC, Security IT and all relevant stockholders teams to be involved. 8. Network Monitoring 9.Zero Trust Security Model 10. Regulations

LAYERS! Security is all about good layers. You need to consider the attack kill chain (mitre) and have multiple defenses at each layer that can detect, deflect or deceive an incoming threat. Each layer at each stage of the kill chain puts another hurdle in the adversary's way, making it harder for them to act on their objective.