How to protect yourself from cyber attack

A cyber attack such as the recent attack on the NHS and other IT infustructure brings security to the front of our minds, but how best can we protect our critical business and home computers from infection?

The recent NHS attack is a form of infection known as a "worm" containing "ransomware". It's purpose is to encrypt files rendering them inaccessable to the user then ultimately to blackmail that user into paying a ramsom to restore access.

Friday's attack spread to at least 99 countries affecting thousands of computer systems at banks, transportation companies. Although a patch to protect against attacks such as Friday's had been released by Microsoft, many computer systems hadn't been upgraded.

Ransomware has resulted in payments of millions of pounds in recent years as desperate users cough up the money to regain access to crucial files and data.

The Cyber Threat Alliance offers these guidelines to protect against ransomware

Ensure that your operating systems, applications and firmware are updated with the latest versions of the software.
Understand typical phishing techniques and how to thwart them, such as by not opening email from unknown email addresses or attachments of certain file types.
Keep web browsers updated, and turn on settings to disable browser plugins, such as Java, Flash and Silverlight, preventing them from running automatically.
Review access and security policies within corporate networks to limit access to critical infrastructure from systems and users who don't need it.

How do I keep my files safe from infection?

The best protection to keep your files safe is having a backup on a secure, encrypted location. Most importatnly, this means not keeping your backup on your own PC. If you keep your backup on your current computer or even an external hard drive that's connected then they will be just as vaunerable to attack as not having a backup at all.

Computer FX offer an encrypted, secure, managed off-site backup service to keep your files safe should the worsed happen. It works on any PC, Mac or Server and is fully managed by Computer FX meaning that if there is a problem and the backup isn't happening, we can alert you to the problem. The service starts from just £5.99 per month.

Find out more details and full pricing at: www.computerfx.co.uk/backup you can also call on 01653 694500 for free advice on protecting your systems.

How to protect yourself from cyber attack

How do I keep my files safe from infection?

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