MAM Software is urging its system users to be vigilant after the recent spate of global cyber attacks. The company says it is vital to update Windows operating systems and anti-virus software to minimise risk.

MAM say the most recent virus exploited a known flaw in Microsoft Windows and spread throughout many organisation's networks. Those affecting included UK hospitals, US-based delivery company FedEx and some Renault factories.

MAM has recommended the following prevention tips;

• Ensure Windows Updates have been made
• Ensure that an up-to-date antivirus software package is installed
• Backup your files regularly
• Never open a file attached to an email unless you can verify the authenticity
• Do not follow a link in an email if you are not sure of the sender’s identity
• Disable macros in Microsoft Office applications by default
• Segment the network, use separate file shares rather than a single one for all users
• Do not use the server for general web browsing

Businesses can also increase protection by moving to a cloud-based solution, where software and data are stored in state-of-the-art data centres guarded by stringent anti-virus software, and data is backed up automatically at regular intervals.

Robin Darnell, Operations Director at MAM Software said, "We are not aware of any MAM customers being affected at this time. We held emergency technical meetings on Friday evening to review the threat and carried out checks to ensure our cloud server infrastructure was protected. Attacks like these often begin with a user opening an attachment from an unsolicited email. The attack used a known Windows vulnerability to spread."

He added, "Microsoft issued a patch in March to counter this threat. You should ensure that all your PCs and Servers have the latest updates loaded. XP, Server 2003 are no longer supported by Microsoft meaning no updates are available. If you are still running these old operating systems you should look to replace as a matter of urgency."

MAM says if an infection is detected users should;

• Turned off and disconnected PC’S from the network as soon as a problem is noticed.
• MAM strongly recommends that the ransom should not be paid under any circumstances. According to experts one in five ransomware victims who pay the ransom never see their files returned.
• In some cases, a decryption tool may be available for the particular ransomware infection, but many newer variants use a unique encryption key, which makes restoring the files impossible.
• The best solution is to remove the infection, and then restore your data from your backup.