Anything that diminishes a threat to the network is called a safeguard or countermeasure. The following are examples:

  • Keep the latest patches applied. Patches and hot fixes are published periodically.
  • Perform daily and weekly backups. For example, if a file has been infected with a virus, you should have a clean copy backed up that is usable.
  • Use a PIX firewall, since it can prevent an intruder from entering your network.