In 2016, the Locky ransomware infected millions of users with a Microsoft Word file. It was eventually contained, and cyber security firms have since created protections to detect and block previous Locky variants. However, a similar malware is currently spreading worldwide and has so far infected tens of thousands of computers. Quick facts According to a threat intelligence report, the …
What you need to know about malware
You’ve all heard of viruses, spyware, ransomware and trojans. But did you know that they’re all types of malware? They’re all designed to ruin your digital life, but different types of malware put your computer at risk in different ways. Understanding what sets them apart can keep your business guarded. Viruses Once created to annoy users by making small changes …
Why Nyetya is more threatening than WannaCry
The WannaCry ransomware, which infected 200,000 business globally and made over $100,000 in ransom payments, is said to be one of the worst cyber attacks in history. However, a new ransomware strain named Nyetya is shaping up to be a more formidable security threat. It has already affected businesses globally, and security firms and researchers believe it to be stealthier …
How to defend against WannaCry
Both businesses and individuals across dozens of countries were scrambling to fix their computer systems after a ransomware, named WannaCry, caused major disruptions last year. Like most ransomware, WannaCry encrypts files and demands a Bitcoin payment for their release. What’s worse, more WannaCry variants will likely be developed in the near future, according to security researchers. Fortunately, there are some …
Some ransomware strains are free to decrypt
Ransomware is everywhere. Over the last couple years, dozens of unique versions of the malware have sprung up with a singular purpose: Extorting money from your business. Before you even consider paying for the release of your data, the first thing you must always check is whether your ransomware infection already has a free cure. The state of ransomware in …
What exactly is preventive cyber-security?
There has been a movement among technology providers to promise “proactive” cyber security consulting. Small- and medium-sized businesses love the idea of preventing cyber-attacks and data breaches before they happen, and service providers would much rather brainstorm safeguards than troubleshoot time-sensitive downtime events. But it’s not always clear what proactive cyber-security means, so let’s take a minute to go over it to better understand …
Ransomware demands more victims for freedom
Popcorn Time is taking ransomware to a new level of devilish trickery by asking victims to give up two of their friends for a chance to rid their own computers of the virus. In cyber security this level of diabolical blackmail represents a new and scary trend for hackers. For more information on how Popcorn Time works and what you …
Five tips to avoid a security breach
If you’ve read this blog before, you already know security is paramount to the success of any small business. Multi IT & Telephony Solutions is BIG on security and we have compiled five tips to avoid a security breach. We cover the ever increasing cases of security violation in big and small businesses, as well as national and international organisations …
IoT scanner detects at-risk smart devices
After the recent Dyn attack that took Netflix and other major websites down, business owners are vigilant about ensuring the security of their network and devices connected to the “Internet of Things” (IoT). A new scanner from Bullguard promises to warn owners of potential entry points for hackers. Keep reading to learn more about Bullguard’s IoT Scanner and how it …
Young workers are more gullible to tech scams
Young workers are more gullible to tech scams, well that is what the latest studies show. The old cold-call scam is still a popular way for fraudsters to dupe people out of their money. But now they’re taking their tactics to the computer generation, and it can be surprising just who is falling for the new tech-related fraud. Read on …
9 essential cyber security phrases
As with all technology, trendy phrases come and go with the passing of every IT conference and newly released virus. And when dealing with cyber security, keeping up with them all can mean the survival — or demise — of a business. If you’re looking for a list of the industry’s most relevant cyber security terms, you’ve come to the …
Set your ransomware files free, for free
In computers, as in war, encryption is a way of encoding sensitive information so only authorised parties can make use of it. Unfortunately, computer hackers have developed ways to infiltrate your company’s network and systems, take your confidential data hostage, and unlawfully encrypt it. Pay them a ransom and you may or may not get it back, Ransomware is the …