“Go back inside before you catch a cold” ft. Bryon Singh

“Go back inside before you catch a cold” ft. Bryon Singh

By Steve Gold
Posted in Security
On February 13, 2024

This was the line said by Julius Levinson, played by Judd Hirsch in Independence Day, that changes the direction of the movie from potential annihilation to probable survival. David Levinson (Julian’s son), played by Jeff Goldblum is on the verge of giving up and accepting the fate that aliens will take over the planet. When he hears these words, he thinks about a cold, then a virus, and then a computer virus.

David creates a computer virus (aka malware) that can infect alien ships, disable their defenses, and save the planet. Now, this may be the ONLY time I am representing the positive nature of how malware can be used, but the impact is what we should focus on here.

That one piece of malware impacted every single alien ship and disabled their defenses to allow us humans to destroy, what we thought was an entire race, until the sequel in 2016. Malware is powerful, damaging, and silent, so stay protected with an anti-malware solution.

The deployment and regular maintenance of anti-malware software as a fundamental defense mechanism against malicious software threats. Anti-malware software is critical in identifying, blocking, and removing viruses, worms, spyware, and other harmful code that can compromise information security and system integrity. Regular updates and scans are crucial to ensure protection against the latest threats, with continuous monitoring and automatic updates being key components of effective anti-malware strategies.

Top 5 benefits of anti-malware software:

  • Real-Time Protection: Continuously monitors and protects systems against malware in real time, preventing infections before they can cause harm.
  • Comprehensive Threat Detection: Utilizes advanced techniques to detect a wide range of threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks.
  • Automated Updates: Regularly updates virus definitions and software capabilities to defend against the latest malware threats and vulnerabilities.
  • System Integrity Maintenance: Helps maintain system performance and integrity by removing or quarantining malicious files and repairing any damage caused.
  • User Alert System: Provides alerts and guidance to users when a potential threat is detected, enabling prompt and informed responses to potential security incidents.

Here’s a link to the Malware Defense Management Policy Template provided free of charge from the fine folks at the Center for Internet Security: https://www.cisecurity.org/insights/white-papers/malware-defense-policy-template-for-cis-control-10

Here are some details on this specific Control/Safeguard. If you want more info, DM me.

CIS Control 10 – Malware Defense

Prevent or control the installation, spread, and execution of malicious applications, code, or scripts on enterprise assets.

Implementation Group 1

CIS Safeguard 10.1 - Deploy and Maintain Anti-Malware Software

Deploy and maintain anti-malware software on all enterprise assets.

Steve Gold

Steve Gold

Steve Gold is the Cybersecurity Practice Director at Gotham Technology Group (Gotham). He is responsible for providing the vision and thought leadership to expand Gotham’s legacy of success and build a world-class cybersecurity practice. He works closely with Gotham’s customers, industry partners, and subject matter experts to develop relevant solutions for Gotham’s clients and prospects.

Prior to joining Gotham, Steve worked with the Center for Internet Security (CIS), where he expanded the global reach, revenue, and impact of the CIS Benchmarks, CIS Controls, and CIS Hardened Images. He led the efforts to promote the CIS portfolio of low-cost and no-cost cybersecurity products and services that help private and public organizations stay secure in the connected world. He grew a team of security specialists from 12 to over 40 to assist organizations with implementing security best practices in their continual journey of cybersecurity maturity.

During his more than 20-year career, Steve led teams responsible for developing and implementing technology solutions at some of the industry’s most recognized companies such as Varonis, VMware, Dell & Wyse Technology

Steve is a frequent speaker/moderator at industry conferences and webinars, covering a wide array of information security topics. He resides and works remotely in Baltimore, MD.