Don't Get Held To Ransom

Ransomware is hitting the press these days due to increased attacks and the recent 'Wannacry' issue that hit many organisations across the globe. This type of attack installs malicious software on a computer and restricts access by encrypting all the user data files on that machine until some form of ransom is paid.  The healthcare sector has recently become a target with cases reported across the US, Canada and Germany.  In one example, reported by the Guardian, a Los Angeles hospital was infected with a virus which encrypted their files and a ransom of $17,000 demanded in order to restore their systems and return to business. Popular websites such as the New York Times and MSN have also been targeted using the advertisements displayed on their websites.  In these attacks malicious code is hidden in an advert which can download ransomware onto the users' machine – you don't even need to click, just visiting the site can be enough to infect your machine.  Do you know how to protect yourself and your company? These examples highlight that ransomware is a real and current threat and that we all need to be vigilant in order to protect ourselves.  Don't be a victim – take the following steps: 

• Don't click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails.

• Log off or shut down your computer at the end of the day.

• Ensure that you keep your security current by downloading any updates & patches.

• Ensure you download updates for other software such as Microsoft Office as updates often include security patches.

• Protect sensitive data at all times; send securely; minimise access; lock away and dispose securely.