Stone Cross, Westham and Hankham

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (Malware) that enables cyber criminals to remotely lock down files on your computer or mobile device. Criminals will use ransomware to extort money from you (a ransom), before they restore access to your files. There are many ways that ransomware can infect your device, whether it be a link to a malicious website in an unsolicited email, or through a security vulnerability in a piece of software you use. Key Protect messages for businesses to protect themselves from ransomware: Install system and application updates on all devices as soon as they become available; Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated; Create regular backups of your important files to a device that isn’t left connected to your network as any malware infection could spread to that too.

The National Cyber Security Centre’s technical guidance includes specific software patches to use that will prevent uninfected computers on your network from becoming infected with the “WannaCry” Ransomware: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/ransomware-latest-ncsc-guidance For additional in-depth technical guidance on how to protect your organisation from ransomware, details can be found here: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/protecting-your-organisation-ransomware Key Protect advice for individuals: Install system and application updates on all devices as soon as they become available; Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated: Create regular backups of your important files to a device (such as an external hard drive or memory stick) that isn’t left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that too: Only install apps from official app stores, such as Google’s Play Store, or Apple’s App Store as they offer better levels of protection than some 3rd party stores. Jailbreaking, rooting, or disabling any of the default security features of your device will make it more susceptible to malware infections.

PEVENSEY AND WESTHAM FLOWER Club: are having a “Spring Thing” on Saturday May 20 at 10 am in Westham Village Hall. They say that this will be more than a coffee morning but not quite a fayre. What can you expect, amongst others, is a Taster Flower Arranging, Cakes, Basket Tombola, Games, Nearly new clothing, Homewares, a Flower Raffle and a “Tea Room”.

PHISHING/SMISHING: Fraudsters may exploit this high profile incident and use it as part of phishing/smishing campaigns. The Police urge people to be cautious if they receive any unsolicited communications from the NHS. The protect advice for that is the following: An email address can be spoofed. Don’t open attachments or click on the links within any unsolicited emails you receive, and never respond to emails that ask for your personal or financial details: The sender’s name and number in a text message can be spoofed, so even if the message appears to be from an organisation you know of, you should still exercise caution, particularly if the texts are asking you to click on a link or call a number. Don’t disclose your personal or financial details during a cold call, and remember that the police and banks will never ring you and ask you to verify your PIN, withdraw your cash, or transfer your money to another “safe” account.

THE NEXT PEELINGS LANE walk: will be a Guided Tree Walk on Sunday May. From Westham pond along the ancient and leafy Peelings Lane to Stone Cross Windmill for drinks and cakes. Meet at the pond at 2PM then stroll with us for 1.5 miles measuring the age of the ancient oak trees. Besides the walk being FREE there is an optional FREE tour of the windmill. All ages are welcome but children should be accompanied by their parents / guardians. The children did some of measuring last year.

No dogs please. For more details please phone Fiona on 01323 460338 or see Westham Village Conservation Groups Facebook Page. Sponsored by Action in Rural Sussex

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