Five major IT security risks for your business (part 1)

IT and internet security should be a high priority for your business. We pride ourselves in taking into account all aspects of security when it comes to our cyber security services and online protection services. However IT security is not only a very technical issue which you will outsource to an experienced IT consultant however it is also making yourself and your employees aware of certain risks. In this five part article Tech-Wales will warn you of certain risks and how to prevent them.

IT security issues part 1

Malware via Social Engineering

Malware can be all sorts of software which will hack your computer system. An example of this is ransomware which has been in the news when the NHS was attacked by this type of malware. This malware makes it impossible to access to your computer or files as they have been encrypted. You will only get a key to unlock your files when you pay the ransom. Which is something you should never do by the way. Always contact your IT consultant if you have been attacked by ransomware.

How does this malware get on your computer system? How does it get past the firewall? There are a few methods hackers will use to get this malware on your computer system.

The cyber criminal will for example get the users attention to click on a link. This link can be sent via e-mail, chat or even SMS. Another way can be that a trusted website has been hacked and a malicious link has been put in that website. Often users will be offered something for free to encourage them to click that link. When the user clicks this link the malware will be installed on the computer and sometimes will expand all over the computer network.

It is important to make yourself and your employees aware of this and train them accordingly. You should never click a link from e-mail, chat or SMS. Even when it looks like a genuine e-mail from your bank or internet provider always go to the website via your browser and check the message of the e-mail that way. Besides being extra aware about these risks always make sure your malware software is updated to the latest version to protect you against the latest malware.

If you are not sure about your IT and internet security do not hesitate to contact us.

Next week part 2 which will be about password phishing.