Abstract:

A large number of information security breaches are perpetuated online mostly in form of malware. This sophisticated and evolving security threat puts all businesses at risk, no matter how big or small. Malware creates unique challenges to Higher Learning Institutions (HLI) in protecting their information assets. HLIs can proactively defend the network to reduce the risks associated with this threat by building cohesiveness within the security program which assesses the vulnerabilities and threats present in their networks and implementing appropriate policy. The goal of this study is to propose a multilayered framework for network security protection against malware so as to increase the level of protection using policy and non technical countermeasures. We propose a multilayered approach which involves enforcing non technical countermeasures at every layer of the computer network in order to increase network security.