How to protect yourself against cybercrime in 2015

There has always been the need to protect your computer from vicious malware and spyware attacks. In this age, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the methods they use to steal data. Never before has computer security been so important.

Here are a few of the major cybercrime attacks to look out for in 2015:

1. Ransomware

Experts expect to see a rise in something called ‘ransomware’. This involves scammers locking your device and asking for a payment to unlock it.

2. Targeted attacks

An increase in more sophisticated, targeted attacks is also expected. In other words, criminals will hand-pick individuals corresponding to how much data they share online, rather than casting out a net and hoping that somebody will bite.

3. Social media malware

With the ever increasing use of social media, more and more criminals will abuse social media to scam people. This might be in the form of malicious videos, as well as malicious links within videos.

4. Open source code

Remember the Heartbleed and Shellshock attacks? Experts expect to see a similar incident happen again in 2015. Cybercriminals will seek vulnerabilities in source code to carry out their malicious activities.

5. Apple malware

Apple market themselves as being one of the safest providers around. But don’t get complacent because iOS users will also be vulnerable to attack this year.

However, there are several security measures that users can put into place to protect themselves against cybercrime:

• Install antivirus software and a firewall on your device

• Back up all of your files regularly using the cloud and remote storage

• Do not click on links that appear suspicious

• Make sure your passwords are strong

• Use encryption software to protect devices

• Enable remote wiping

• Keep devices somewhere thieves can’t get to them

As long as you follow these simple steps, you shouldn’t have a problem. Implement the measures above and be on the look out for the cybercrimes that are predicted for 2015 to make sure that you don’t become a victim.

How to protect yourself against cybercrime in 2015

British PM throws his weight behind UK cyber security industry

With instances of cyber crime on the rise, demonstrated in spectacular fashion over the course of 2014; a year defined by DDOS attacks and hacking scandals; an increasing number of organisations and government agencies have vowed to remove the kid gloves and get serious about tackling the rising tide of cyber criminality.

One of the highest profile agencies to step into the ring and start hitting back at the hackers is the UK government. David Cameron, the current British Prime Minister, has vowed to improve computer security in the UK, strengthening the country’s cyber security industry in a bid to prevent future incursions.

While US president Barack Obama is still fine-tuning his plan of action, Cameron has already laid out measures he hopes will aid UK businesses in improving their computer security. His plans do not just include protection, Cameron is also hoping to foster a new crop of UK-based cyber security specialists, turning the country into a world-leading computer security provider that can tap into the bountiful US market.

During a recent stopover in the US for talks with President Barack Obama, Cameron was trailed by an entourage of UK cyber security firms. These firms, in an effort to plant roots in the US and establish connections in the sector, were invited to spend time getting to know their US counterparts.

As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen ties between security companies in the UK and the US, freshly appointed UK cyber envoy Andy Williams will set up shop in the British Embassy’s Washington branch. According to techUK, this appointment will help build on the work done by the Cyber Growth Partnership (a government, industry and academia led coalition that work together to improve the UK’s cyber security sector) in the region.

“The UK has a rich and diverse cyber security sector with many innovative companies being started every year,” remarked Ruth Davis, techUK’s head of cyber, emergency, and justice services at techUK.

“We are very pleased to see the government throwing its weight behind British businesses and helping them to break into the US market. We look forward to working with Andy Williams as he champions UK companies in the US.”

British PM throws his weight behind UK cyber security industry