You may know that downloading files from the Internet could contain malicious code – no matter whether it’s a spread sheet attached to an email, a nice screensaver, a program or possibly a video file – but do the rest of the people that work in your organisation know as well?

Now you may already have anti-virus software which protects your business from viruses or other malicious files, but there is no harm in educating your IT users on downloading files safely, which we’ve listed below:

Download with caution: think first, click later…

Beware of fraudulent and malicious emails
Don’t click links or open attachments if you’re unsure of the source. This could simply be a word document that actually contains malicious code, so be aware.

Only download from reputable site
Be careful where you download files from. If you have to buy it everywhere else but one website is offering it for free, is it too good to be true?

Further protection…

Prohibit users from being able to open certain file types
If users on your IT network have the ability to open any file type, is it really necessary? Consider blocking executable files such as .exe files. This way you can also control what software is actually installed on the network, so you know your workstations aren’t being used for non-work purposes.

An intelligent anti-spam solution
There are anti-spam solutions available, such as, Message Defence that can block emails which contain malicious code or viruses before they even reach your server. The major benefit of this is that viruses do not have any chance of reaching your end users and potentially causing downtime at all.

If you would like to learn more about any of the tips we’ve listed here please feel free to contact the HBP Group IT Support Team on 01724 400304 or itsupport@hbp-group.co.uk.

You can get a free 30 day trial of our anti-spam solution, Message Defence. Try it now >>>