Security risks and countermeasures caused by expired virus databases

Note that the virus database also has a "shelf life"!

Terminal virus scanning is an important part of preventing network attacks, and its effectiveness is directly related to the security of information systems. Industry research data shows that the number of new malware emerging around the world is growing exponentially every year, which makes timely updates of anti-virus software and virus databases even more important. However, in actual work, many units and individuals fail to update anti-virus software and virus databases in a timely manner in terms of terminal security management, which is likely to affect the effectiveness of security protection and requires attention and attention.

The risks brought by “expiration” cannot be ignored

In recent years, national security agencies and relevant departments have reported many typical cases of leaks due to discontinued updates of anti-virus software and expired virus databases, reflecting the weaknesses in terminal security management of some units.

Case 1: The OA system of a scientific research unit failed to update the virus database in a timely manner due to long-term neglect of vulnerability patching. Overseas hackers took advantage of protection shortcomings to invade the server and implant Trojan viruses, which ultimately resulted in a large amount of important data from the unit being stolen and resold.

Case 2: The office terminal of a government agency failed to strictly implement regular virus checks and other related measures, which resulted in its work email being attacked by hostile foreign anti-China forces.

Case 3: An enterprise's business system did not implement network security protection requirements. The public network server ran "streaked" and the anti-virus software had not been updated for a long time. Criminals took the opportunity to implant viruses and remotely control the host.

Why did a "small update" turn into a "big bug"?

The problem of untimely updates of anti-virus software and virus databases is mainly related to the following factors:

——Insufficient understanding of network security risks. Some staff members have the understanding that "installing anti-virus software is enough" and fail to fully realize the importance of timely updates of anti-virus software and virus databases.

——Weak awareness of network operation and maintenance. In the construction of network security, individual units pay more attention to explicit tasks such as hardware procurement and system deployment, but pay relatively little attention to daily operation and maintenance tasks such as anti-virus software and virus database updates.

——The operation and maintenance management mechanism is not perfect. Individual units have unclear division of responsibilities in terms of terminal security management. Anti-virus software and virus database updates lack unified management specifications and regular inspection mechanisms. Related updates often rely on individual consciousness.

National security agency reminder

The Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China clearly stipulates that network operators shall take technical measures to prevent computer viruses, network attacks, network intrusions and other behaviors that endanger network security. Units should implement their main responsibilities and resolutely maintain the bottom line of network security.

——Consolidate protection responsibilities. It is recommended that relevant units include the daily operation and maintenance of terminals into the overall planning of network security work, establish a complete operation and maintenance management system, clarify the terminal security management responsibilities of positions, establish an update account for anti-virus software and virus databases, set a fixed inspection cycle, regularly check core business systems and key terminals, and ensure that anti-virus software and virus databases are kept up to date.

——Improve safety awareness. It is recommended that relevant units conduct regular network security knowledge training to enhance staff’s awareness of risk prevention and standardize daily terminal usage behaviors. Each staff member should also proactively pay attention to the update status of anti-virus software and virus databases.

——Strengthen technological empowerment. With the development of artificial intelligence, big data and other technologies, network security protection methods are also constantly upgraded. It is recommended that relevant units, while doing a good job in basic protection, actively introduce technologies such as automatic risk warning and behavioral intelligent analysis to build a multi-level and three-dimensional security protection system.

Source: "Ministry of National Security" WeChat official account