How to stay safe from cyber criminals
Matthias Yeo, Chief Technology Officer, Asia, Symantec, gives his top tips on how tostay safe from cyber criminals:
People nowadays can access the internet in countless ways using a multitude of devices. From internet banking to cloud storage, smart appliances to smartphones, internet-dependentusers simply can’t get enough of the web.
Malware is becoming increasingly sophisticated and crippling for computer users. Particularly dangerous is ‘ransomware,’ which as the name suggests, holds one ransom over personal data and files. One of the largest ransomware attacks the globe has seen, the WannaCry attack in mid-May, disrupted the operations of organizations across the globe.
Cyber security issues will continue to rise and no country is immune to cyber risks including The Philippines. The recent cases in the countryincludesystem glitches and ATM skimming, which caused confusion and fear as to whether theycould be another hacking incident.
Symantec’s annual Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) provides some highlights from the report:
• The Philippines experienced a higher incidence of malicious emails in 2016.
o 1 in 131
• 2016 - Regional rank: 9 - Global rank: 25 • The average ransom demand hitting consumers globally increased dramatically in 2016 from US$294 to US$1,077.
• Ransomware attacks grew 36 percent in 2016globally.
• More than 40,000 ransomware attacks are detected by Symantec each Malware: 1 in 126 versus global Ransomware in Philippines in month.
What can users do? Here are some good practices to stay protected in the cyber world:
• Email caution: Be aware of the dangers posed by spear phishing emails, where scammers pretend to be a business or person known to the user. Exercise caution in accepting emails from unfamiliar sources and opening attachments that are not solicited.
• Educate: Be aware of the threat posed by ransomware and make building defenses an ongoing priority. It’s important to educate family, friends and employees about ransomware, and encourage them to adopt best practices.
• Security policy:Businesses, in particular small ones, need policies around data and internet security similar to requiring employees to lock the door and set the alarms at night. Use professionals to help implement a security policy that protects sensitive data at rest and in transit. Ensure that customer data is encrypted as well.