Cyber security

Over the last couple of months, there have been a number of cyber attacks in the UK, including the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware attack that crippled the NHS. One of the largest threats to our business is malware, a malicious software that can infect your computer, and disrupt or restrict access to programs, files or apps. It can enter our network when you open email attachments, or links to websites targeted at you. Malware will often claim you have won a prize, received an invoice, owe money, or have done something illegal with your PC, and that you are being fined by a police force or government agency. OUR CUSTOMERS This is a tactic designed to ensure people open up the attachment or link. Once downloaded to your PC, the malware can either corrupt important files on your server, or record and copy information, including bank and credit card details. If you have downloaded a type of malware called ransomware, you may be asked to pay money without informing anyone who may be able to fix the problem. We all have our part to play to keep our business as secure as possible – for our security as well as our customers.

Remember: malware emails look genuine and believable, so if in doubt, delete!

Cyber crime is now one of the biggest risks facing businesses, in the UK and abroad. Attacks on company IT systems, data breaches and email scams are happening on a daily basis.

What can you do?

For your safety and security, it’s important we all: Immediately delete external emails from unexpected sources Look out for emails from unknown senders Beware of fake emails (e.g. Apple, Netflix, Microsoft) Never open attachments or links in unrecognised emails Don’t click on links in social media posts Empty your deleted email folder each day If you notice any strange behaviour on your PC report it to IT asap. Please be particularly cautious looking for fake documents, fake emails and alerts requesting you to open attachments or web site links. If you encounter any document that will not open or requests a password, or a payment that you are not expecting, then please shut down your PC or laptop and contact the IT Service desk on 01530 51 80 80 .