Simple steps to protect against viruses, spyware and adware
Use an antivirus program
Install an antivirus program on all stations and servers and make sure they stay current. Since new viruses can spread extremely quickly, it is important to have an update infrastructure that can update all the computers in your company frequently and in the short term. Sophos antivirus solutions are updated automatically, ensuring that your computers have the latest protection against viruses and spyware.
Use an email filtering solution at the gateway to protect your networks against email threats, be they viruses, spam and spyware. Sophos gateway security solutions scan all email traffic that passes through the mail server, providing an additional level of protection against worms and email viruses.
Do not forget to protect laptops and stations that employees use at home. Make sure they receive updated antivirus protection since viruses, worms and spyware use these devices to enter the company network. Sophos guarantees the automatic update of laptops and remote stations with the latest antivirus protection every time they connect to the Internet or your network.
Configure a filtering
Consider using potentially malicious message filtering on the gateway as it provides a proactive level of protection against new threats.
Can:
Block file types that usually harbor viruses
Viruses often use EXE, COM, PIF, SCR, VBS, SHS, CHM and BAT files to spread. Anyway, normally a company does not need to receive these files.
Block any file with more than one extension
Some viruses try to hide their true nature by using double file extension. Files like LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.VBS or ANNAKOURNIKOVA.JPG.VBS can initially look like a simple text file or a photo.
Ensure that all executable code sent to your company is verified and approved
Make sure that all executables received from abroad through email go directly to the IT department or, in the case of SMEs, to your IT manager, for verification and approval.
This serves two purposes. First, your department or IT officer can confirm not only that the file is free of viruses, but also that it has the appropriate license (so it is unlikely to cause a conflict with other existing software applications), and is adequate (for example, that it does not contain pornographic material). Second, in this way the IT department will be aware of what programs are installed on the computers.
Find out about the latest virus threats
Subscribe to Sophos newsletters for information on the latest virus threats, technical support information and new products. At the same time, consider signing up for a virtual information service on your website or intranet to keep your users informed about the latest viruses.Protect the gateway and remote users with firewalls
Equipment connected to the outside must be protected against Internet threats through firewalls. It is necessary to include laptops and remote stations of users who work from home; They also need to use a firewall and may not be able to benefit from a central firewall located in the company.
Keep up with security patches
Many software manufacturers publish security bulletins. For example, Microsoft has a news bulletin that warns of security holes and problems found in its software and advises the use of protection patches. The IT department should subscribe to these news bulletins and take the necessary measures in this regard. When a security hole is detected in an application or operating system and a patch is published, organizations must have an infrastructure to verify that the patch works correctly and distribute it over the network. Some manufacturers offer automatic patch update for home users, and this system could be suitable for upgrading laptops and remote stations.
Make backups frequently
Regularly back up all important data and verify that you are fit for its use. Keep the backup copies in a safe place, even outside the office in case of fire.
Change the startup sequence of the computer
Although they are not as common as before, boot sector viruses continue to affect computers. In any case, it is relatively easy to fight them. Change the startup sequence of the computer in the CMOS so that it starts from the hard disk instead of the A: drive (the floppy disk drive). This would stop any boot sector viruses (such as Form, CMOS4, AntiCMOS, Monkey, etc). If you need to boot from a floppy disk, you can change the configuration for that particular occasion.
Enter an antivirus policy
Create some directives for the company related to computer security and make sure that everyone understands each point to be able to put it into practice and they know who to contact if they have doubts.
Such a policy should include:
Prohibition to download executables and documents directly from the Internet.
Prohibition of executing unsolicited executables / documents / spreadsheets within the company.
Prohibition to play computer games or use screensavers not included with the operating system.
System of verification and approval of executables that arrive by email from outside the company.
You could also recommend staff to do the following:Save all Word documents in rich text format (RTF) so they can not contain macro viruses.
Suspect unexpected messages.
Forward any virus or bullying notice directly (and only) to the IT department to confirm its authenticity.
If a virus is believed to have infected a computer, it is necessary to inform the IT department immediately.
You can also download our Virus and Spam: Survival Guide [PDF], which describes what viruses and spam are, the risks they entail and practical advice that users can follow to improve the protection of their equipment.
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