October 19. Anti-virus/anti-malware
Anti-virus and anti-malware are essential tools that are designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software – collectively known as malware – that can infect your devices, compromise your data, and disrupt your operations. Just like your body needs an immune system to fight off infections, your digital devices need protection against cyber threats.
What is malware? Malware is a broad term which includes various types of malicious software, including:
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Viruses: Self-replicating programs that attach to legitimate software and spread.
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Worms: Standalone malicious programs that spread across networks without human interaction.
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Trojans: Disguised as legitimate software but carry a malicious payload.
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Ransomware: Encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their release.
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Spyware: Secretly collects information about your computer usage.
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Adware: Displays unwanted advertisements.
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Rootkits: Gain unauthorised control over a computer without being detected.
All of the above can be bought as a service, and used together to create a more complex and comprehensive attack.
How Anti-virus/Anti-malware Works:
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Signature-Based Detection: Compares files and code against a database of known malware "signatures."
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Heuristic Analysis: Analyses the behaviour of programs to detect suspicious activities that might indicate new, unknown malware.
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Real-time Scanning: Continuously monitors your system for suspicious activity as you use it.
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Automatic Updates: Downloads the latest threat definitions (signatures) and software updates to stay effective against new and evolving threats.
Key Practices:
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Install Reputable Software: Use a well-known and trusted anti-virus/anti-malware solution on all your devices (computers, laptops, sometimes even phones). Schools and colleges should prevent staff from downloading and installing software but rather have it centrally managed. This way it also ensures that any DPIA's can be correctly completed prior to sharing any personal data with third parties. Customers should review:
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Keep it Updated: Ensure the software's threat definitions and the program itself are regularly updated. Many solutions do this automatically.
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Run Regular Scans: Schedule full system scans periodically.
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Don't Ignore Warnings: Pay attention to alerts from your anti-virus software and take recommended actions.
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Complementary Protection: While essential, anti-virus is not a magic bullet. It must be combined with other cybersecurity practices like strong passwords, MFA, regular updates, and careful online behaviour.
Having a robust anti-virus/anti-malware solution is a fundamental layer of defence, providing crucial protection against a wide array of digital threats. It's your computer's vigilant guardian, helping to keep your systems clean and secure.
💡Today's Cyber Tip: Verify Your Antivirus is Running!
Today, take a minute to check if your antivirus or anti-malware software is actively running on your computer and that its definitions are up to date. Look for its icon in your system tray or notifications area.
Review the DfE Meeting Digital and Technology Standards in Schools and Colleges : which advises you to use anti-malware software to protect all devices in the network, including cloud based networks. Some applications protect against viruses and general malware, some against one only. You need to protect against both. Anti-virus and anti-malware guidance is part of the DfE Cyber Security Standards which are now statutory - you are required to meet this standard by 2030. We have support, guidance and tracker to help you assess where you are and monitor your progress: 👉 https://digitalstandardstracker.co.uk/
Consider having your anti-virus software prevent the use of USB sticks in the organisation.
Review: NCSC Antivirus and other security software
Review DPE's previous articles about software anti-virus/anti-malware including explanations of malware and what to look out for:
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DPE Knowledge Bank Guidance and Support:
For schools and colleges, six of the DfE Digital Standards are now mandatory. We have a DfE Digital Standards Tracker tool help you track your cyber resilience and your progress:
Review our Cyber Security Best Practice Area for micro learning, support, guidance and policies:
Why not have a look at our 'specialist' trainer Harry the Hacker :
