Which of the following can help prevent malware infections?

Regular operating system updates play a crucial role in preventing malware infections because they often include security patches that address vulnerabilities identified since the last update. Cybercriminals frequently exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to systems or to deploy malware. By keeping the operating system updated, users ensure that their systems are equipped with the latest protection against these threats.

Additionally, updates can enhance existing security features or add new ones, making it more difficult for malware to infiltrate the system. In this way, the practice of regularly updating the operating system serves as a proactive defense measure to maintain the integrity and security of the computer, significantly reducing the risk of malware infections.

While other options may have their benefits, such as reducing exposure or limiting access, they do not directly address the underlying vulnerabilities in software that updates specifically target.