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A countermeasure is an action, process, device, or system that can prevent, or mitigate the effects of, threats to a computer, server or network. In this context, a threat is a potential or actual adverse event that may be malicious or incidental, and that can compromise the assets of an enterprise or the integrity of a computer or network. Countermeasures can take the form of software, hardware and modes of behavior. Software countermeasures include: The most common hardware countermeasure is a router that can prevent the IP address of an individual computer from being directly visible on the Internet. Other hardware countermeasures include: Behavioral countermeasures include: - frequent deletion of stored cookies and temporary files from Web browsers
- regular scanning for viruses and other malware
- regular installation of updates and patches for operating systems
- refusing to click on links that appear within e-mail messages
- refraining from opening e-mail messages and attachments from unknown senders
- staying away from questionable Web sites
- regularly backing up data on external media.
In military applications, a countermeasure is a system or strategy intended to prevent an enemy from compromising a target. This can be done by shielding, concealing or moving the target, creating decoys or otherwise confusing the enemy.
Last updated on: Jun 12, 2006
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