What should be regularly updated to protect against malware attacks?

• A. User passwords
• B. Software and security patches
• C. Web browser settings
• D. Network configurations

Answer: (B)

Regularly updating software and security patches is essential in protecting systems against malware attacks. Software vendors frequently release updates to address vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and enhance security features. When these updates are applied, they often include patches to known vulnerabilities that malware could exploit. By keeping software up to date, organizations minimize their risk exposure and decrease the likelihood of unauthorized access or attacks.

In contrast, while user passwords are crucial for security, simply changing them regularly does not protect against malware itself. Web browser settings can improve safety when browsing the internet but can only mitigate some risks associated with malware, not eliminate them. Network configurations are important for securing a network, but if the underlying software and applications are not updated, they can still be susceptible to malware. Therefore, maintaining updated software and security patches is a foundational aspect of a robust cybersecurity strategy.