“ Important updates are pending for you ”

We have seen this message numerous times and like myself we have put off updating our laptops. However, have you ever thought.. why so many updates? Our current lifestyle is quite busy, so waiting a few minutes for your PC to complete its update seems like a huge drag. Have you ever thought to yourself, is it all really necessary? Before we delve into that, let’s get into what cyber security really is. 

“ Cyber Security is the methods used to protect systems, networks & devices from attacks and unauthorised access. ”

There are many methods that we can use in order to protect ourselves from security breaches and from losing our personal information or data. Updating our PC’s is one of them. It does come with a few benefits like offering a better user experience but ultimately, it applies security patches* which fixes flaws in the system. 

Cyber criminals LOVE security flaws. They are able to create code to exploit these flaws. They then package this code into malware (malicious software) and distribute these in e-mails, infected websites and trojan horses. A trojan horse is a piece of malware that misleads users of its true intent by appearing to be legitimate (this is usually in the form of a plug- in). A plug-in is a browser extension like flash-player, quick-time player and acrobat reader. When you’re prompted to install the latest version of flash player, this is usually a trick to install malware onto your PC, so please be careful!

Let us consider a common scenario. Champions league is on and we haven’t got BT Sports, or the new season of Insecure is out but we haven’t got Amazon Prime so we turn to the streaming sites. Every single click opens up two more tabs asking you to download some software or a new browser extension. You have to find and locate the ‘x’ and close the small window. Its annoying (I know) but we do it just to watch our faves. One of these clicks can lead to an automatic download of malware and if we are not observant the effects can be catastrophic. To list a few of these effects:

• Malware can gather your personal information or data from your computer
• It can give an attacker control of your computer 
• It can remain undetected and allow attacker to do as they please 

Here are a few warning signs of a malware infection:

• Your computer takes longer to start
• Your homepage changes to a different website when opened
• You’re unable to download updates
• You notice suspicious programs installed on your PC (may be hidden)

We can take precautionary measures to protect ourselves against malware from the ‘Tips with T’ box. New malware is always being developed, so researchers are always having to develop countermeasures and it’s proving to be a constant battle. We need to be vigilant with the links that we click, apps we download and the opening of email attachments from dubious mail accounts. 

Tips with T
– Keep your anti-malware software up to date – Turn on automatic system updates  – Keep your web browser plug-in updated

* Patches – security patches are a change to a piece of software which fixes a security flaw or bug

During the past few weeks, I have thought a lot about how to express my innermost thoughts and as much as I have a love for IT, I also have love for my people. I have to address the disturbing events that have gone on recently. I use this blog to try to educate you all on security but I urge us all to educate ourselves and others on systemic racism. This has to stop. We are sick and tired of all the injustices that black people have suffered. As a young black man myself, I encourage us all to come together as one and fight for justice.

#JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeForBellyMujinga #JusticeForBreonnaTaylor #JusticeForAhmaudArbery 

Love & Guidance

Stay Safe

TT