Project Part 3: Malware Protection Procedure Guide 699253

Project Part 3 Malware Protection Procedure Guidescenarioalways Fresh

Project Part 3: Malware Protection Procedure Guide Scenario Always Fresh allows external users, such as vendors and business partners, to access the Always Fresh Windows environment. You have noticed a marked increase in malware activity in the test environment that seems to originate from external users. After researching the likely source of new malware, you conclude that allowing external users to connect to your environment using compromised computers exposes Always Fresh to malware vulnerabilities. After consulting with your manager, you are asked to create a policy that will ensure all external computers that connect to Always Fresh environment are malware free. You create the following policy: “To protect the Always Fresh computing environment from the introduction of malware of any type from external sources, all external computers and devices must demonstrate that they are malware free prior to establishing a connection to any Always Fresh resource.” Consider the following questions: 1. What does “malware free” mean? 2. How can a user demonstrate that their computer or device is malware free? 3. What are the steps necessary to establish a malware-free computer or device? 4. How should Always Fresh verify that a client computer or device is compliant? Tasks Create a malware protection procedure guide that includes steps for installing and running anti-malware software. Fill in the following details to develop your procedure guide: 1. Provide a list of approved anti-malware software solutions—include at least three leading antivirus and two anti-spyware products. You may include Microsoft products and third-party products. Instruct users to select one antivirus and one anti-spyware product and install them on their computer. 2. Describe the process of: a. Ensuring anti-malware software and data is up to date. Mandate daily updates. b. Running regular malware scans. Mandate that automatic scans occur whenever the computer is idle. If that setting is unavailable, mandate daily fast scans and biweekly complete scans. 3. Provide steps to follow any time malware is detected. a. Immediate reaction—what to do with current work, leave the computer on or turn it off b. Who to contact c. What information to collect The procedure guide may be used by company security professionals in the future. Hence, all steps listed should be clear and self-explanatory. Required Resources · Internet access · Course textbook Submission Requirements · Format: Microsoft Word (or compatible) · Font: Arial, size 12, double-space · Citation Style: Follow your school’s preferred style guide · Length: 2 to 4 pages Self-Assessment Checklist · I created a procedure guide that provides clear instructions that anyone with a basic technical knowledge base can follow. · I created a well-developed and formatted procedure guide with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. · I followed the submission guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary digital landscape, safeguarding organizational IT environments from malware threats inflicted by external devices and users is paramount. This necessity becomes evident in scenarios such as Always Fresh, where external vendors and partners require access to internal systems. To ensure the integrity and security of the environment, establishing a robust malware protection procedure is essential. This paper delineates a comprehensive guide for implementing malware prevention measures, focusing on defining malware-free standards, demonstrating compliance, and delineating procedures for anti-malware software deployment and management.

Defining “Malware Free”

“Malware free” refers to a state where a computer or device is free from any malicious software, including viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, adware, or other harmful code. It implies that the machine has been scanned and cleared of malware, and all security measures are active and updated to detect and prevent threats. The malware-free assurance signifies that the device does not harbor active infections or latent threats that could compromise the system or data integrity upon connection to the network.

Demonstrating Malware-Free Status

External users can demonstrate their malware-free status through several methods:

• Running comprehensive scans using approved anti-malware tools with current signatures and definitions.
• Providing a certificate or report generated by the anti-malware software confirming the device’s clean status.
• Utilizing secured pre-connection validation procedures, such as a network-based endpoint testing tool, which verifies the malware-free status automatically.

These practices ensure that the device intended for connection does not pose a malware risk to the organization’s systems.

Steps to Establish a Malware-Free Computer or Device

The process involves several systematic steps:

1. Installation of approved anti-malware software: Users select and install one antivirus and one anti-spyware product from an approved list.
2. Updating software and definitions: Ensure all security software is current, with daily updates of malware signatures and program patches.
3. Performing initial scans: Conduct thorough scans to detect any existing malware infections before attempting connection.
4. Resolving vulnerabilities: Address any malware detection or system vulnerabilities identified during scans.
5. Generating verification reports: Obtain and store malware scan reports that certify the device as malware-free.
6. Pre-connection validation: Attach verification documentation or employ automated validation tools to confirm malware-free status prior to network access.

Adhering to these steps mitigates the risk of malware introduction via external devices.

Verifying Compliance by Always Fresh

To ensure external devices are compliant, Always Fresh should implement verification procedures such as:

• Mandatory submission of malware scan reports from approved software before establishing connection.
• Automated endpoint compliance checks that verify the device’s security software version and virus definitions are current.
• Pre-connection security checks via network access control (NAC) solutions that assess device security posture.
• Periodic re-validation, especially after software updates or at regular intervals, to maintain ongoing compliance.

Such measures establish a reliable framework for malware risk mitigation, ensuring only compliant, malware-free devices connect to organizational resources.

Implementing the Malware Protection Procedure

Approved Anti-Malware Software Solutions

Organizations should utilize reputable anti-malware solutions to efficiently prevent threats. Among the leading options are:

• Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Microsoft)
• Norton 360 (NortonLifeLock)
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus (Kaspersky Lab)

For anti-spyware tools, top choices include:

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Spybot – Search & Destroy

Users are instructed to select one antivirus and one anti-spyware solution from the list, ensuring compatibility and full installation on their devices.

Steps for Managing Anti-Malware Software

Updating and Maintaining

To ensure efficacy, anti-malware software and its data should be updated daily. This process involves:

• Configuring the software to enable automatic daily updates of virus definitions and program patches.
• Confirming successful updates through software status reports or logs.

Running Regular Malware Scans

Regular scans are crucial for detection. The recommended procedure is:

• Configuring automatic scans to run during system idle times, ensuring scans do not disrupt user activity.
• If automatic idle scans are unavailable, scheduling daily quick scans and biweekly deep scans.

Responding to Malware Detection

Prompt response to malware detection involves clear steps:

1. Immediate Reaction: If malware is detected, users should save any ongoing work, disconnect the device from the internet to prevent further spread, and turn off the device if instructed by security protocols.
2. Contact Security Team: Notify the designated security personnel or help desk immediately, providing details of the detection and current system status.
3. Information Collection: Gather relevant data such as scan reports, installed software versions, and any suspicious files or behaviors observed.

This structured response minimizes operational risks and facilitates swift malware containment.

Conclusion

Implementing a comprehensive malware protection procedure—comprising approved software deployment, diligent updating, routine scanning, and a clear response protocol—is essential for maintaining a secure external connection environment at Always Fresh. Regular verification ensures ongoing compliance, reducing the risk of malware infiltration and safeguarding organizational assets from external threats.

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