Exeter firm urges businesses to educate staff on cyber security

Exeter-based IT support provider and cyber security specialist, Bluegrass Group, is urging all local businesses to educate their staff on cyber security following the recent ransomware attack on the NHS.

45 NHS bodies, as well as organisations across the globe, were affected by the ransomware virus, WannaCry, which arrived via emails with an invoice, job offer or other authentic looking document attached. Clicking on the attachment enabled the infection.

Bluegrass, which ran the UK’s first ever Cyber Security Awareness Week earlier this year, has helped many local businesses deal with the aftermath of a ransomware attack. They’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in this type of crime and understand where the vulnerabilities lie.

David Thomas, Chairman of Bluegrass Group, said: “Cyber criminals target people as they know that they’re the weakest link in cyber security protection. Anything that your staff can do to be vigilant will benefit your business and be your best form of defence against cyber attack.

Train all staff to be alert to suspicious emails and know how to deal with them.”

Ransomware is one of the world’s biggest growing cyber threats. This recent attack highlights the random nature of cyber crime and illustrates how every organisation is vulnerable.

David adds: “For extra protection against ransomware and other cyber crime we advise running Microsoft software updates and installing appropriate security software and hardware. It’s also essential that you have adequate backup in place so that if your data is hijacked or tampered with it can be quickly and easily recovered.”

For help and advice regarding any aspect of cyber security, please contact Bluegrass on 01392 207194.