Regular Software Updates Is the Best Protection

Regular Software Updates Is the Best Protection Against Fake Police Fine Virus Says Netsafe

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Auckland, Tuesday 28 May 2013 – A small leak will sink a great ship, so the saying goes. Martin Cocker, Executive Director of NetSafe says the sentiment is particularly true for computer software. “By not updating just once piece of software you leave your entire system at a huge risk, cybercriminals only need one way into your system and from there they can do whatever they want.” "There is a constant power struggle between cybercriminals and online protection," says Cocker. "It is crucial that people keep their software up to date."

NetSafe is warning New Zealanders of the rise in incidence of what is known as ‘ransomware’, an attack designed to fool users into paying a ‘fine’ to unlock their computer, often appearing to come from the Police or another official source. Cocker warns users not to pay any ‘fines’ and to update all their software to help protect against the threat.

NZ Police have had several reports of ransomware infections, where the NZ Police logo has been used in an attempt to scare computer users into paying a "fine" to unlock their computers. The ransomware suggests that the users have been detected downloading illegal music or software files, or child pornography.

Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Honiss of the National Cyber Crime Centre said that New Zealand Police are not responsible for the infection and strongly advises the public not to pay the fine. He said that the infection is caused by the Reveton Trojan and has been seen around the world over the last couple of years.

Computer users who update all of their software regularly stand the best chance of defending their systems against this sort of attack.

He said that there are several websites offering free advice on how to remove the infection, and recommends that the public refer to www.securitycentral.org.nz for good advice on how to keep themselves safe online.

The Tight Five of Computer Security Updating your software is just one of the five key messages for staying safe online that NetSafe are stressing during Cyber Security Awareness Week. NetSafe’s ‘Tight Five’ are:
• Use strong passwords
• Update everything
• Use a secure wireless network
• Back up your files
• Think before you click Cocker says cybercriminals are always devising new threats and looking for new weaknesses to exploit in computers and mobile devices.

"Software developers simply have to keep improving their products to provide security against the new threats. That's why you need to keep your software updated with all the latest security patches. This includes your operating system, like Microsoft Windows or Apple OS X, common helper programmes such as Adobe Reader, Java and Flash, and your web browser," says Cocker.

As part of Cyber Security Awareness Week, NetSafe representatives asked people in the historic streets of Napier about being stuck in the past, discussing the need for technology updates. A short, light-hearted video of the event is available on www.securitycentral.org.nz.

New Zealand's second annual Cyber Security Awareness Week is running from 27 to 31 May. It is a joint initiative supported by the Government and sponsors , Google, HP, Image Centre Group, Microsoft, Norton, Sophos, Telecom and Trade Me, as well as almost 50 partner companies to raise awareness of cyber security issues.

More computer security advice and detail on updating programmes are available at www.securitycentral.org.nz. The week's activities can also be followed on www.facebook.com/netsafe -

ENDS

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