21. A user's personal computer was infected with malware that had a known remediation. Which of the following should the user have done to prevent this issue?
Answer: A
Kept endpoint protection software updated.
Keeping endpoint protection software updated is crucial in preventing malware infections. Updated software can recognize and neutralize new threats effectively, reducing the risk of infection.
A) Kept endpoint protection software updated.
This option is correct because regularly updating endpoint protection software ensures that the latest security definitions and patches are installed. This proactive measure helps to identify and block newly emerging malware threats effectively, thus preventing infections.
B) Created a restore point.
Creating a restore point is a useful practice for recovery after an infection occurs, but it does not prevent malware infections from happening in the first place. Restore points allow users to revert their system to a previous state, but they do not provide real-time protection against malware threats.
C) Maintained a preinstallation environment.
Maintaining a preinstallation environment can be beneficial for troubleshooting and recovery, but it does not directly prevent malware infections. This option lacks the proactive defense mechanisms that updated endpoint protection software provides.
D) Disabled System Restore.
Disabling System Restore can be detrimental to system recovery efforts. This action would prevent the user from reverting back to a clean state after an infection and can expose the system to greater risk by eliminating a safety net against malware.
Conclusion
The correct answer, keeping endpoint protection software updated, is the most effective strategy for preventing malware infections, as it provides continuous, proactive protection against evolving threats. Other options either serve as recovery measures rather than preventive strategies or could potentially exacerbate the risk of infection. Thus, maintaining updated security software stands out as the essential action in safeguarding against malware.