Even if your computer has antivirus software installed, it can still get infected with malware. Antivirus tools are important, but they are only one part of a broader cybersecurity approach. Malware creators constantly update their tactics to bypass traditional antivirus detection, so relying on antivirus alone leaves gaps that attackers can exploit.
Why this matters for Australian SMBs
For small and mid-sized businesses in Australia, repeated malware infections can cause serious disruptions. Malware can lead to downtime, loss or corruption of critical data, reduced staff productivity, and damage to your business reputation. If customer information is compromised, you may also face privacy compliance challenges under Australian regulations, adding legal and financial pressure.
A typical scenario
Consider a 50-person Australian accounting firm. Despite having antivirus software on all computers, they experience recurring malware infections that slow down systems and occasionally lock users out. Their IT provider identifies that staff are clicking phishing emails and downloading unsafe attachments. The antivirus software alone can't block these new threats fast enough. The IT provider then implements additional layers of protection, including email filtering, user training, endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, and regular security audits. This multi-layered approach helps reduce infections and improves overall security.
Practical checklist to reduce malware risks
- Ask your IT provider: What additional security measures do you recommend beyond antivirus? Do you offer endpoint detection and response or advanced threat protection?
- Review your current setup: Are software and antivirus definitions updated automatically and frequently? Is your operating system patched regularly?
- Check user access: Are staff using strong, unique passwords? Do you have multi-factor authentication enabled for critical systems?
- Evaluate email security: Is there spam and phishing filtering in place? Are staff trained to recognise suspicious emails?
- Backup strategy: Are backups performed regularly and stored securely offline? Can you quickly restore data if malware encrypts files?
- Incident response: Does your IT provider have a clear plan for detecting, isolating, and removing malware infections?
- Regular security reviews: Schedule periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify weaknesses.
Next steps
If malware keeps appearing despite antivirus, it's a sign your cybersecurity strategy needs strengthening. Talk with a trusted managed IT provider or cybersecurity advisor who understands the specific risks faced by Australian small and mid-sized businesses. Together, you can build a layered defence that reduces malware infections, protects your data, and keeps your business running smoothly.