“It’s not a matter of if you will get hacked, but a matter of when.”

 

 

 

Cyber security – defined as the protection of systems, networks and data in cyberspace – is a critical issue for all homes and businesses. 

 

Cybercriminals don’t discriminate. Any time we connect to the Internet, we are vulnerable to cyber attacks.  Hackers can steal our credit card numbers, tax records and passwords, or even completely disable our PCs.  Individuals and small businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals. Often, they have the least-protected websites, accounts and network systems, making cyber attacks a relatively easy job.

 

So, what precautions can we take to stay safe online?

 

Prevent malware damage. Malware is any file or programme - such as worms, viruses, Trojan horses and spyware - used to harm a computer user.  Before you go online with any device you should make sure it is installed with business-grade anti-virus and anti-malware software, keep it up-to-date and run regular scans.  This should keep you protected from virus and malware infiltration and infection. 

 

Avoid phishing attacks.  Phishing is a form of fraud where fraudulent emails are sent that resemble emails from reputable sources; however, the intention of these emails is to steal sensitive data, such as credit card or login information.

 

Ransomware, a relatively new and more sophisticated type of malicious software, poses a much greater threat. Usually installed within an email attachment or unsecured website, ransomware is designed to block access to data files on a computer system until a sum of money is paid. You are literally held to ransom! And there is no guarantee you will get your data back even after the ransom has been paid. Regular data backups are more important than ever with the growth of ransomware.

 

And finally, there is the more direct attack of hacking where your broadband connection is used as the point of entry into your network and any attached devices.  You need to ensure that the Firewall on your Router is enabled together with this feature, which is included on most anti-virus software.

 

 

If you need to review your cyber security, please  get in touch to discuss the options available to you.