Which of the following is a common method to protect against malware?

Regularly updating software is a fundamental practice in protecting against malware. Software updates often include patches that fix known vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to distribute malware. By keeping software up to date, you close off these vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

In addition, many updates include new features and improvements that enhance overall security. This proactive approach ensures that one's system benefits from the latest defenses against evolving malware threats. In contrast, options like disabling firewalls, avoiding antivirus programs, and using weak passwords would increase the risk of malware infections by removing essential security barriers and practices.