Page 32 - Cyber Warnings

This Data is mine, mine, mine, mine.

by Jonathan Stock, Cyber Security Recruitment Consultant, IntaPeople.

It seems every time I write an article I could mention Trumps’ approach to cybersecurity;
watching him is like an old Animaniacs show with Yakko, Wakko and Dot causing mayhem
throughout the White House.

Instead let’s focus on the positives of the past week; Tom Brady became the most loved
quarterback in the world, Beyoncé announced (in an odd, yet typical celebrity fashion) she’s got
a new brood en route, and the Queen is the first monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee - hats off
to you ma’am!

Last week we had Data Privacy Day, a day to raise awareness and to promote data protection
best practices.

Much like Cyber Security Awareness Month (October if you are wondering) it’s a chance to
educate the masses, to make sure that people outside of the security industry are aware of the
pitfalls of data privacy and how important it is to keep data hidden, tucked up and warm like a
Mogwai on a rainy day!

Now there are various quick fixes which can allow you to keep your data safe from the hackers
of the world. They are not tricky, they are not technical, just nice and easy tips to help you keep
everything as hidden as possible.

Let’s take for example public Wi-Fi; it’s brilliant isn’t it? You can stream content whilst your
partner shops for the 100th pair of shoes on a Saturday afternoon, but it’s not the most secure
network and if you start downloading third-party applications you may accidentally receive
malware that can then harm your device and steal your data.

Another tip is focussed on ransomware. It’s been in the news daily and there’s a nice simple
solution to make sure you don’t fall victim to it; backing up your data.

There’s evidence of some security researchers decrypting ransomware strains but more often
than not you have to empty out your piggy bank and pay the hackers.

A complete back up can get you out of a tricky situation, as long as it’s stored on a secure
device.

Phishing scams, much like ransomware, are an ever heightened trend that’s emerging
throughout the world.

Now I’m not talking about Robson Green claiming he’s caught the biggest Marlin on his newest
TV series, but the social engineering attack that targets people on a daily basis.

32 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – April 2017 Edition
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