CYBER security experts say the weekend’s dramatic ransomware attack on the NHS is a wake-up call for everybody with a stake in the digital age.

Former Cumbria Police Chief Constable Stuart Hyde, who now makes his living as a cyber security consultant, was not overly surprised that the attack happened, though its scale left even him a little taken aback.

“Most agencies have been expecting something like this,” he said.

“The issue with this particular piece of malware is that it’s gone across the globe very, very quickly. It’s the most significant attack that we’ve seen for a long time, though that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s state-sponsored.

“I’ve read that the ransom demand was for just $300, which to me says that this could well just a group of children.”

Mr Hyde said the latest attack underlines how vital it is for businesses and organisations to stay on top of their online security. If you don’t take advantage of the protection that is available you have only yourself to blame if it goes wrong, he said.

“There’s been a growth in attacks but at the same time there’s now a greater emphasis on protection and looking after data,” he added.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau this week issued an alert, urging both individuals and businesses to follow cyber protection advice immediately and in the coming days. For businesses keen to protect themselves from ransomware, the key messages are:

• Install systems and application updates on all devices as they as they are available;

• Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep it updated;

• Create regular back-ups of your important files to a device that is not connected to your network to prevent infection.

For individuals, the key advice is as follows:

• Install system and application updates on all your devices as soon as they’re available;

• Install and update anti-virus software on all your devices;

• Create regular back-up for important files;

• Only install apps from official app stores, such as Google Play Store, or Apple’s App Store.

Mr Hyde also recommended the Government supported Cyber Security Information Sharing Partnership (CiSP), which he feels is not sufficiently promoted. The website address is: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cisp for down-to-earth and reliable advice.

Aspatria-based cyber security expert Tony Wilson, who runs Indelible Designs Limited, views what happened to the NHS at the weekend as a reminder of the need for constant and basic “cyber hygiene.”

“It’s really simple,” he said. “Organisations need to have their operating systems patched up with anti-virus updates. This particular vulnerability was identified in March.”