IT systems Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 25, 2025

APT and ransomware attacks continue to plague Vietnam’s IT systems

In 2024, Vietnam experienced over 155,640 ransomware attacks, leading to financial losses in the tens of trillions of VND (hundreds of millions of USD) for organizations. A cybersecurity assessment on March 25 revealed that 60% of Vietnamese businesses lack adequate cybersecurity solutions. On the first day of a ransomware attack, one company reported losses exceeding 100 billion VND (approximately .1 million), while another faced losses of up to 800 billion VND (about .3 million). Bkav's research indicated that ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated, with many organizations lacking sufficient antivirus protection. The National Cybersecurity Association reported over 659,000 cyberattacks in 2024, with APT and ransomware attacks accounting for 26.14% and 14.59% of incidents, respectively. Experts recommend regular vulnerability assessments, 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring, and comprehensive incident response plans.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

NHS cyber security concerns raised about move to Windows 11

Concerns are rising about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the NHS as it transitions to Windows 11, especially since Microsoft will stop security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Many NHS institutions are facing hardware limitations that may hinder this upgrade. The NHS's device configuration has shifted from approximately 70% desktop PCs and 30% laptops to an estimated 80% laptops, many of which are now five years old due to the pandemic-related distribution surge. This aging technology poses significant risks, as the NHS capital budget has not increased to address the need for updates. A spokesperson for NHS England confirmed a five-year deal with Microsoft for security solutions, urging organizations to transition to Windows 11 before the end of Windows 10 support. Additionally, a 2022 British Medical Association report indicated that over 13.5 million hours of doctors' time were lost annually due to inadequate IT systems, with 80% of doctors believing that improved IT infrastructure would help address backlogs.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

The clock is ticking: Why businesses must prepare for Windows 11 now

As of October 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support, posing risks for Australian businesses that still rely on it, with nearly 47% of the desktop OS market share. The Australian Cyber Security Centre warns that outdated systems will be more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and businesses will no longer receive security updates, increasing the risk of data breaches, which currently average over AUD 1 million per incident. Compliance with regulations like the Australian Privacy Principles requires the use of secure and up-to-date technology. Windows 11 offers enhanced security features and productivity tools, making it essential for businesses adopting hybrid work models and integrating advanced technologies. HP is actively preparing businesses for this transition by optimizing its products for Windows 11, providing tailored solutions to ease the upgrade process. Additionally, the Australian Government has introduced a Technology Investment Boost for SMEs, allowing them to deduct 20% of costs related to digital adoption, and has committed AUD 1.2 billion to the Digital Economy Strategy to enhance digital infrastructure and skills.

Winsage

December 7, 2024

How to prepare for the Windows 10 shutdown

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. It once had over a billion users and still holds over half of the market share. Users face vulnerabilities without security updates post-deadline, and about one in five laptops may not be compatible with Windows 11. Alternatives to Windows 11 include open-source operating systems like Linux and Google's OS Flex. Remanufacturing as a Service (RaaS) offers a sustainable option for extending IT infrastructure lifespan, with remanufactured laptops being up to 70% less expensive and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 316 kg per laptop. Microsoft has announced a one-year security update extension for Windows 10 users at a cost of £23. The end of Windows 10 coincides with International E-waste Day, presenting an opportunity for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

Tech Optimizer

November 15, 2024

Warnings as remote working presents a significant cybersecurity concern

A study by Markel Direct surveyed 500 SME owners, revealing that 23% see securing remote workspaces as a primary challenge, ranking second among cyber security issues, while 62% are concerned about the sophistication of cyber threats. To safeguard data accessed by remote employees, 52% use VPNs, 48% train employees on secure practices, and 46% have remote access policies. However, 49% would not know how to respond to a cyber-attack, and 69% lack a cyber security policy. Proactive measures include 72% using antivirus software, 69% regularly updating software, and 52% adopting multi-factor authentication. Despite these efforts, 43% of SMEs do not train employees on best practices, and 53% lack cyber insurance. Rob Rees from Markel Direct highlighted the importance of having a robust cyber security policy and preparedness against AI-driven attacks. Markel Direct offers a cyber response helpline for policyholders.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

Former Polish government oversaw “unlawful, corruption-prone” visa system, finds state auditor

A leak from Poland’s Supreme Audit Office (NIK) has revealed irregularities in the visa issuance process under the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, with over 366,000 visas granted to individuals from Asian and African countries, including Russians after the Ukraine invasion. The NIK investigation found political pressure on consuls to expedite visa approvals and deficiencies in IT systems that hindered verification of many issuances. The report, spanning 300 pages, criticized the foreign ministry's oversight as unlawful and unreliable, posing a threat to national security. Four former foreign ministers from the PiS era were named as responsible for these irregularities. Between 2018 and 2022, Poland issued approximately 6.5 million visas, surpassing Germany and Spain, with 366,551 issued to individuals from Muslim and African countries. The report also noted ongoing pressure on consuls to issue visas without clear guidelines and highlighted IT failures affecting the verification of 17,000 student visas. Evidence of corruption involving former deputy foreign minister Piotr Wawrzyk was also found. Despite an anti-immigration stance, the PiS government facilitated an influx of immigrants, issuing more first residence permits to non-EU nationals than any other EU member state for seven consecutive years.

Winsage

July 26, 2024

CrowdStrike says more than 97% of Windows sensors are back online

CrowdStrike experienced a faulty update that caused disruptions to nearly all Microsoft Windows sensors, impacting approximately 8.5 million devices and resulting in significant losses for Fortune 500 companies. CrowdStrike is working to fully restore computer systems and has attributed the failure to a bug in their Falcon security platform. The incident highlights the vulnerability of interconnected IT systems. Delta Air Lines had to cancel flights due to the outage but has since returned to normal operations.