NBRA issues IT security advice

The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has issued critical IT security advice to its members in the wake of last week’s ransomware cyber-attack.

Specifically the NBRA has advised its members to use an actively supported operating system that receives security updates; have effective patch management that deploys security updates to PCs and other critical parts of their infrastructure in a timely manner; run anti-malware software and ensure they regularly receive malware signature updates; and implement a disaster recovery plan that includes backing up and restoring data from devices that are kept offline.

‘We are in a new era of cyber criminality and as a trade association we have a duty of care to assist our members to secure their businesses,’ said NBRA director, Jason Moseley.

The advice follows NBRA’s focus on protecting member’s interests related to data security within bodyshops and its work alongside the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

The ransomware cyber-attack – ‘Wanna Decryptor’ or ‘WannaCry’ – infected some 200,000 machines across 150 countries including the NHS, French carmaker Renault and several banks.