With the recent outbreaks of Ransomware attacks, here are a few points to help you stay safe online:
Don’t Open Email Links or attachments that you are Not Sure Of
many of these hacking techniques involve the user accidentally installing malicious software on their device or computer by clicking on a link to an infected website or opening an infected attachment. Often these links can appear to be genuine, i.e. from your bank or from a payment handler like PayPal. Hackers will even register similar sounding domain names so that the email appears to be from a trusted sender.
Keep your Operating System and Software Up-to-Date
Upgrade your Computer Systems as old and unpatched software may contains vulnerabilities that hackers will try and exploit. Windows XP, for example, is no longer supported by Microsoft and should therefore be considered a security risk.
Keep your Passwords Strong
Simple passwords, like those containing words or obvious character sequences, are asking for trouble. Keep passwords strong by ensuring that they contain a mixture of uppercase/lowercase, numbers and punctuation.
Stay Backup Up
If all else fails, you need a back up. Backup regularly so you always have something to fall back on.