Ransomware - The Next Big Scare

Ransomware seems to be the big scary word which has dominated the news this month, being published on the news, social media and radio. 

This week the NHS internal systems were rendered inaccessible by a Ransomware cyber attack that meant data containing sensitive information was blocked until a demand for payment was met. 

So what was behind this cyber attack?

Software called WanaCrypt0r 2.0 or WannaCry, exploited a vulnerability in Windows XP, which the NHS computers had been using but had failed to install the security update released by Microsoft in March 2017.

This type of attack can be prevented. The key areas is to backup, install windows updates, use antivirus software, and use a secure firewall.

The most important and key area is to backup data regularly. This does not mean to backup to a portable hard-drive or a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. Backup that is offsite and encrypted daily is a much better solution. This helps to stop Ransomware from attacking your data.

At MapTec IT we have first-hand experience of the dangers of only using external USB hard-drive backups and NAS devices where data can become corrupted thus rendering it unusable. Another aspect to consider is the length of time to backup your data. Sometimes having 5 days worth of backup may not be enough to restore systems to the required level prior to a Ransomware or other cyber attacks where data is held until funds are paid to the hacker. Perhaps consider monthly, quarterly or even long terms backups.

So, prevention is better than cure; here are 5 top tips to make your IT Systems or websites more secure:

1. Good up-to-date antivirus software that will scan for virus daily.
2. Backup, which is password protected, 256-bit encrypted, compressed and automatically upload offsite. 
   
3. Update your Windows software as recommended by Microsoft on a regular basis. 
4. Use IP blocking firewalls that are updated regularly. 
5. Use Cloud storage that provides a server with high-level encryption and multiple-factor authentication.

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