As you may be aware, Microsoft support for Windows 7 (and below) has ceased. Indeed, those of you running Windows version 8 may also understand that there has been an increased risk of attack, by those wishing to steal your data, and then hold you to ransom in order to unlock your system.
There has been a spate, of late, where companies of all sizes have been caught out in this way, with some medium-sized businesses being told that they need to hand over as much as £650,000 in order to get access to their data.
It’s important to ensure your Windows system is running the latest version of Windows 10, and keep that version up to date regularly. Most infections start with an innocent click in some email, and machines running unsupported systems are increasingly at risk.
Do not bring files across from ‘outside’ or older computers. They may have been compromised and allow hackers to gain access to your newer Windows 10 computer system.
As Microsoft do not attempt to block threats to outdated Windows systems, and with so many computers running older operating systems, it is now rich-pickings for these hackers. It has also become ‘big business’ for criminal gangs. Data is key to so many, losing access to it can be expensive, frustrating, and damage the work that you do.
Please be careful.
(From Kent Association of Local Councils)