Tag: security

5 Ways to Protect Your Small Business from Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt them. Ransomware attacks have been on the rise in recent years, and SMEs are particularly vulnerable.

There are a number of reasons why SMEs are more likely to be targeted by ransomware attacks. First, SMEs often have less robust cybersecurity measures in place than larger businesses. Second, SMEs may be more likely to fall for phishing scams, which are a common way that ransomware is spread. Third, SMEs may be more likely to have sensitive data that is valuable to cybercriminals, such as customer data or financial information.

The impact of a ransomware attack can be devastating for an SME. In addition to the cost of the ransom payment, businesses may also experience lost productivity, damage to their reputation, and even legal liability.

There are a number of steps that SMEs can take to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. These include:

  • Investing in robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training.
  • Being aware of phishing scams and how to avoid them.
  • Backing up data regularly so that it can be restored in the event of an attack.
  • Having a disaster recovery plan in place.

By taking these steps, SMEs can help to protect themselves from the growing threat of ransomware.

Here are some additional tips for SMEs to protect themselves from ransomware:

  • Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
  • Keep your software up to date.
  • Use a firewall to protect your network from unauthorized access.
  • Be careful about what emails you open and attachments you click on.
  • Install antivirus software and keep it up to date.
  • Back up your data regularly.
  • Have a disaster recovery plan in place.

By following these tips, SMEs can help to reduce their risk of being the victim of a ransomware attack.

Here are some additional synonyms for ransomware:

  • Crypto-malware
  • Cryptolocker
  • Cryptowall
  • Locky
  • Petya
  • WannaCry

These are just a few of the many different types of ransomware that are out there. It is important to be aware of these threats and to take steps to protect your business. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, and taking proactive measures to protect your business from ransomware attacks can save you time, money, and reputation damage in the long run.

Pokémon app

 

You have probably heard about the new Pokémon app. It’s going viral and sends people on the street to catch these little virtual creatures. There are some risks if you have the “gotta catch ’em all” fever. 

First, please stick to the vetted app stores, do not download the app from anywhere else. Why? Bad guys have taken the app and infected it with malware, and try to trick you downloading it from untrustworthy websites.

Second, anyone using the app, and especially kids should be VERY aware that they are not lured into a real-world trap which could lead to mugging or abduction. Other players can track you in the real world using this app so be careful.

Third, there are possible privacy issues if you use your Google account to log into the app. Create a throw-away account and use that to log into Pokémon, not your private or business account .

As always, Think Before You Click!

8 TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR PC FROM HACKERS

by The Windows Club

When it comes to the Internet, there is nothing called 100% security. One of the best method to keep Hackers out of your computer, would be to turn off Javascript and Flash as these two are widely used to inject malicious scripts into your system.

But that may be impractical for some, as the Internet relies on Javascript and Flash for quite a few features or functions – from logging in to websites, to browsing, serving search functions and more. Turn off Javascript and you will find that you cannot do much on the Internet. So how do we keep hackers away? Here are some tips to prevent hacking without having to restrict yourself by turning off Javascript and Flash.

Apart from following the basic steps like keeping your Windows operating system and software up-to-date, keeping your Firewall turned on, using a good antivirus software or a Intenet Security Suite, here are a few precautions you should follow.

Turn off JavaScript and Flash
If you can disable JavaScript and / or Flash, good! It will make your system more secure. There is also a Group Policy setting to disable Java.

Use a strong password for user and online accounts
Easy passwords make it easier for anyone to log into your account and take it over. In most cases, the hackers will change the password after taking over your machine so that you cannot log in. What happens afterwards to reclaim the machine is a tedious process. It is always recommended to use strong passwords, that contain alphanumeric characters and also include special characters.

You can force it on the Windows users to harden the login password policy and create a strong password. You can also make it possible that the account is locked down after three attempts. Read our article on restricting login attempts.

For online accounts, I will recommend using a password manager software such as LastPass that generates secure passwords and stores them safely so that you can use them without having to remember each. Further, it is better to have different passwords for different sites so that if one account is compromised, others are still safe. The first among all tips to prevent hacking is to use a strong password.

Remove crapware
You never know what kind of programs are installed on your computer when you buy a new one. Lenovo presented a good example by installing Superfish that made it possible for cybercriminals to initiate Man in the Middle Attacks. A new computer comes with plenty of software that you won’t ever need. The first step after getting a new computer is to remove all crapware and the programs that you won’t need. There are certain third-party crapware removal tools that let you decide what programs to keep and automate the removal of crapware. You can use any such program or you can remove unwanted programs and toolbars manually. The manual method is safer though it takes some perspiration on your part. If you see a program that you can’t understand, it is better to consult someone and then remove it.

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