Just yesterday news broke out that companies across the globe had been stuck by another worldwide cyber-attack. What can organisations do to protect themselves in this connected world? We caught up with Gareth Molyneux as he returned from his second cyber security tour around all our offices giving us the best tips on how to stay secure online.
1. Hi Gareth – there’s been some high profile cyber-attacks recently – did that contribute to your decision to head out on another security tour?
Hi James! Absolutely! The gigantic attack on the NHS happened whilst I was writing the course this time, which gave me some great direction as to what really needed emphasising this time around. The huge attack on TalkTalk of course also contributed last year, but the real damage to their bottom line is only starting to be seen now. The unfortunate reality of our times is that we’re more and more likely to be hit with nasties unless we think before we click.
2. What was different in terms of what you covered between this one and the last tour?
This time, we had a big emphasis on data protection as well as some information on newer attacks that are doing the rounds, and looked a bit more in depth about how to protect yourself against fraud, even showing delegates some of the dirty mind tricks being used by the fraudsters!
3. There seems to be attacks so regularly nowadays, what do you think is contributing to the rise in cybercrime?
I think that unfortunately the scammers are getting better, with them researching deeper into who they’re sending emails to – especially with the whale phishing attacks, and the proliferation of emails mean that we sometimes just don’t think before we click.
4. What can we all do to protect ourselves and our workplaces from cyber-attacks?
Think before you click! It’s so simple, but so important. Make sure that you use anti-virus and keep it up to date, and always run Windows Updates when they pop up. Oh, and really important – remember that you can’t prove from just an email who it’s come from. If it’s asking you to do something, unless you are sure it’s them, check before you act.
5. Like last time, the tour has been received very well – do you have anything else in the pipeline for the future?
That’d be telling! We’ve got some ideas in the workings – watch this space! Keep an eye on my Twitter (@gareth_iqgtech) for more tips and tricks!
