In light of recent events, we would like to provide your with the following information.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of virus that infects computers and then it prevents the user from accessing the operating system or encrypts all the data stored on the computer.

The user is asked for the ransom and to pay a fixed amount of money before receiving a key to decrypt files and/or allowing access again to the operating system.

Guidelines to stay safe:

1) Be wary of attachments

Even if you know the person who has sent you an email, do not open an attachment if you were not expecting it.

It is better to confirm with the sender that the attachment is legitimate if you have any concerns.  Opening an attachment can infect your machine with a virus. Remember if in doubt check with the sender first.

2) Look out for links to websites

To stay safe, don’t click on links if you are unsure about them.

If you hover with your mouse over the link, you will be able to see the full URL address (the website address). If it looks suspicious, don’t click. If in doubt, don’t click!

We have written this helpful guide to email safety that you can find here.

3) Please ensure that your PC is up to date by running Windows Updates.

You can find the guidance for running Windows Updates here.

4) To protect against ransomware, Minerva recommends Sophos Intercept X.

Sophos Intercept X features CryptoGuard, which prevents the malicious spontaneous encryption of data by Ransomware—even trusted files or processes that have been hijacked. And once Ransomware gets intercepted, CryptoGuard reverts your files back to their safe states.

Please call us on 01707 607100 if you would like further information.