How Can You Avoid Downloading Malicious Code? Security Tips to Consider

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Malicious Code Hides in Plain Sight. Learn How to Keep It Out of Your Network.

In my previous articles on the topic of malicious code, I discussed what malicious code is through the lens of seven common examples, then established what malicious code can do in the eventuality of an attack.

In today’s final installment of the malicious code trilogy, I will help you answer what is perhaps the most pressing question at hand: how can you avoid downloading malicious code? So, if you want to find out nine useful security tips that will help you keep malware out of your corporate network, then keep reading.

How Can You Avoid Downloading Malicious Code? 9 Tips

#1 Avoid Browsing Unsecured Websites

Unsecured websites can easily become the home of viruses, worms, Trojans, or other forms of malware. For this reason, not browsing them is a good Internet hygiene practice that will most likely save you a world of troubles later on. I would go as far as recommending that you include it as a stipulation in your company’s employee-facing policy.

But how can you know which websites are secure and which aren’t? You (or your employees) can recognize a secure website by its https:// application layer protocol, such as in the case of our very own https://heimdalsecurity.com/. This means that the website has an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate that guarantees it is safe to browse. Websites with the once-standard http:// application layer protocol are no longer considered secure.

SSL certificates consist of a private and public encryption key pair. The two work together to establish a coded connection that cannot be intercepted by malicious third parties. The SSL certificate is installed directly on the webserver, creating a foundation of trust in any online interaction based around it.

#2 Filter Traffic at the Level of the DNS

Avoiding pages that don’t boast the https:// in their link and teaching personnel to do the same is a good place to start when trying to steer clear of malicious code. However, not all unsecured websites are born bad, just like not all secured websites are inherently safe. This is increasingly common because advanced forms of malware such as the polymorphic variety are built to evade traditional security solutions.

To make sure that no malicious domains fall through the cracks by parading as being safe, I recommend implementing advanced content filtering for HTTP and HTTPS, as well as at the level at the DNS, to both your network and your endpoints. Here is where our Heimdal™ Threat Prevention cybersecurity solution comes in.

Heimdal™ Threat Prevention is available in both Network and Endpoint modules. Powered by proprietary DarkLayer Guard™ & VectorN Detection technology, it not only actively hunts threats, but also detects, prevents, and blocks them, stopping malicious code injection in its tracks.

#3 Identify Malicious Links Before Clicking

Malicious code is often contained within malicious download links. Therefore, how can you avoid downloading malicious code in this case? The answer is straightforward enough. You should always examine an URL closely before clicking on it, and teach company personnel to do the same.

Verifying whether a link is malicious or not is a simple process. All you have to do is hover with your mouse cursor over it and see whether it leads to the websites it claims to, or if it’s attempting to redirect you to a suspicious domain. If the URL seems kosher, make sure to double-check. Keep an eye out for minor spelling errors or other alterations designed to mislead you.

#4 Pass Up on Downloading Free Software

Free software sometimes goes hand in hand with malicious download links. While many great programs are available online without additional costs, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Did you find a website claiming to offer an amazing piece of software, that otherwise comes with a price tag, for free? Did you receive an email with a download link from a suspicious website? Don’t fall for it.

This can happen to either you or a member of staff for your organization as part of an intricate phishing campaign, or even at random while browsing online. So, how can you avoid downloading malicious code from free software? A good rule of thumb is to verify whether the application you are trying to install comes from a secure website or not. You can find more on that in the section dedicated to tip #1.

#5 Do Not Engage with Suspicious Emails

With 85% of all organizations having been targeted by a phishing attack at least once, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A common type of cyberattack, phishing usually consists of malicious spam emails, or malspam for short.

Malspam campaigns rely on social engineering practices to deceive you into engaging with them, either by clicking a link, downloading an attachment, filling in a form, or simply replying to the conversation. Don’t do any of that. Malicious code might be waiting for you around the corner.

Nonetheless, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees are familiar with ill-intentioned online practices such as phishing. My recommendation is to integrate cybersecurity education into the workplace as soon as possible, so that staff members will, first of all, know how to recognize a suspicious email when they receive one.

#6 Use an Advanced Email Security Solution

At the end of the day, cybersecurity education can only get you so far. While nothing beats the power of information, training simply cannot account for human error caused by fatigue, multitasking, and other oversights. For this reason, I recommend using an email security solution as well. Heimdal™ Email Security is an advanced spam filter that reinforces your company’s systems with revolutionary malware protection vectors.
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