What is one effective way to prevent the spread of malicious code?

Scanning external files before uploading is an effective way to prevent the spread of malicious code because it allows users to identify and mitigate potential threats before any harmful software can interact with the network or systems. This proactive measure helps to ensure that any files that could contain malware are thoroughly examined for signatures of known threats or unusual behavior patterns that indicate malicious intent.

By implementing a scanning process, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of inadvertently introducing malware through file uploads, which can lead to various security incidents, including data breaches and system compromise. Additionally, this practice aligns with the broader principles of cybersecurity, focusing on prevention and early detection of potential threats in the environment.

In contrast to this approach, enabling pop-up blockers, while a good practice for improving overall browsing safety, does not specifically target the prevention of malicious code spread. Using only known websites can reduce risk, but it does not entirely eliminate exposure since even legitimate sites can become compromised. Disabling antivirus software directly undermines the protective measures that are essential for detecting and preventing malware from affecting systems. Therefore, scanning external files is a targeted and effective strategy for safeguarding against the transmission of malicious code.