Major Ransomware Cybersecurity Incident - What You Need To Know

Another large Cyber attack has struck several large firms across the globe. If you're interested in the specifics and proper journalism, read the BBC article. They're fantastic. If your interested in opinions and some tips about internet security, hang in there a bit and you'll walk away feeling a little more secure. Cyber Security will continue to be an integral part of the world for the foreseeable future, might as well get acquainted. 

1. Change your passwords. You've probably heard this before. No, not just one password, all of your passwords. Yes it can happen to you. Don't use one password for more than one account. Okay, no more patronizing. Genuinely, regularly updating your passwords can protect you against a vast majority of digital threats. Most breaches happen not due to any coding or effort on a hacker's, part, but a loose password that can then unlock several accounts. Your email is the most high risk account you have - everything goes through that. 
2. Experts are guessing at the current time that the current ransomware attack is using the same exploits as WannaCry. This means, if you have Windows 7 or older, you're at risk. Regularly update your software, and be diligent about your software updates. They can feel intrusive and sometimes slow down your computer, but they are there to improve security.
3. Make sure your systems are up-to-date and patched. An extension of #2, these versions of ransomware will find loopholes in old windows code and will exploit them. Only two anti-virus software have been able to detect this ransomware, so assuming that having an anti-virus software on your computer guarantees safety is a bad idea. 

That's it, This information is quite pithy and no one wants to be told what to do. If you take anything away from this, change your passwords, update your phone/PC/tablet/toaster. There is so much more that can be done, but getting started is better than inaction. Stay Safe!

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