The Knowledge to Decide

The first ever global worm-based ransomware attack – WannaCry –crippled close to 150 countries in May 2017. Ransomware usually spreads via email, relying on human intervention to initiate infection. In a matter of hours, WannaCry spread to Internet-connected computers infecting many that were unpatched and exposed to the Internet. In particular, the ransomware exploited older Windows operating systems, including Windows XP. The attack was a stark reminder about keeping antivirus, firewall and operating systems up-to-date. The IT security industry is exploiting machine learning to enhanced preparedness and threat response speeds. Can Machine Learning help mitigate ransomware attacks? https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/wannacry-ransomware-attack-affects-millions/

With 42.8 million cyber-attacks recorded in 2014, Cybercrime is becoming the key security issue facing companies. Initially, antiviruses were the main weapon of defense and hacking was unheard of. Businesses today are increasingly networked and vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Spire’s CEO Leon Perera delivered the keynote address to a cyber-security event co-organized by Juniper Networks and LGA Telecom to discuss cyber risks and how to mitigate them. Leon Perera, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Spire Research and Consulting group, was privileged to deliver the keynote speech at the Executive Breakfast event organized by Juniper Networks and LGA Telecom Pte Ltd on 22 July 2015 in Singapore. In his presentation, he shared a brief overview on cybercrime and strategies businesses should adopt to mitigate risks. Perera mentioned that, cyber-threats can cause financial and reputational damages as well as shake employee confidence for a company. Significant cyber risks include Data