What is anti-malware defense and best practices?

• A. Rely only on a firewall for protection.
• B. Use updated antivirus/EDR, enable real-time protection, conduct regular scans, and limit user privileges.
• C. Disable updates to reduce network load.
• D. Expect users to report threats after infection.

Answer: (B)

Anti-malware defense is about a proactive, layered approach to preventing, detecting, and containing malicious software. The strongest practice is to keep antivirus/EDR up to date so detection covers both known threats and emerging ones, and to enable real-time protection so malware is stopped as soon as it tries to run or modify files. Regular scans provide a safety net, catching anything that slips past real-time checks or resides in less obvious places. Limiting user privileges is another crucial piece: when users operate with fewer permissions, even if malware executes, its ability to install, spread, or access sensitive data is greatly reduced.

Relying solely on a firewall misses many attack vectors because malware can operate within allowed network traffic or establish persistence after initial access. Disabling updates leaves defenses blind to new strains and exploits, so protection becomes ineffective against evolving threats. Waiting for users to report threats is reactive and often too late to prevent damage. Together, updating defenses, real-time monitoring, regular checks, and principle of least privilege create a robust, proactive shield against malware.