Connor Jones
Connor Jones has been at the forefront of global cyber security news coverage for the past few years, breaking developments on major stories such as LockBit’s ransomware attack on Royal Mail International, and many others. He has also made sporadic appearances on the ITPro Podcast discussing topics from home desk setups all the way to hacking systems using prosthetic limbs.
Connor has previously written for the likes of Red Bull Esports and UNILAD, before a lengthy stint at ITPro. He has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from one of the UK’s leading journalism departments at the University of Sheffield, as well as an undergraduate degree in English Language from Sheffield Hallam University.
When he’s not hitting the phones trying to squeeze stories out of sources and press offices, in his free time Connor studies software development, is a keen cook, and enjoys leading an active life through cycling, hiking, racket sports, and weightlifting.
Latest articles by Connor Jones
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A complete guide to data encryption
By Connor Jones last updated
In-depth We explore the world of digital cryptography, and explain why it is an increasingly fundamental aspect of modern business
![A CGI render of a warning symbol representing malware, sitting on an abstract computer surface. Decorative: the warning sign is glowing red and there is blue and yellow diffused light throughout.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AjqYaghFDo2SkUwDDPKDtA-320-80.jpg)
What is malware?
By Connor Jones last updated
In-depth Knowing what malware is means knowing the differences between viruses, trojans, ransomware, and more
![A female programmer working in front of a big monitor displaying code](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8xGT3kod9L57jY4A8f4nfD-320-80.jpg)
Best laptops for programming and coding in 2024
By Connor Jones last updated
Best There are so many factors to consider when choosing the best laptops for programming and coding – here are our top picks
![Windows and Linux logos appearing in front a background of of neon green code](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vtNu9fP2YmngujuW6dVYv9-320-80.jpg)
Windows vs Linux: What's the best operating system?
By Connor Jones last updated
Vs Providing an answer to the Windows vs Linux debate requires careful consideration of software, performance, usability, and security
![GitHub Dependabot story illustrated by a white GitHub logo on a charcoal background and yellow and white detail showing ITPro's brand identity](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rYtK5YoX2DnGaBwTwatqpD-320-80.jpg)
Hackers are spoofing themselves as GitHub's Dependabot to steal user passwords
By Connor Jones published
News GitHub Dependabot was crudely spoofed in hundreds of successful attacks on open source projects
![JetBrains TeamCity software logos appearing side by side on a dark background with binary code on](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/X2kiqCAgnXt5dXrUYuf9Se-320-80.jpg)
JetBrains TeamCity critical vulnerability opens door for supply chain attacks
By Connor Jones published
News TeamCity users are advised to install JetBrains' full upgrade rather than just relying on the available hotfixes
![Dutch football ransomware attack: Wout Weghorst hides face under shirt as Dutch football team beaten by Argentina in Qatar World Cup 2022](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zfgkiZv7vVdMMYH8LKEuC7-320-80.jpg)
Dutch football association admits paying LockBit in ‘April Fools’ ransomware attack
By Connor Jones published
News The national governing body offered a rare candid account of the ransomware attack, the full scale of which is still unknown
![The Google logo on the side of the Google HQ in Mountain View, California.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kLFPhhtGfdS7N4S9N58d25-320-80.jpg)
What happens if Google loses its antitrust case?
By Rory Bathgate published
Analysis Decisive legal action could allow competitors to take a bite out of Google’s market share
![A blue and purple digital representation of the world map showing boxes connected by dotted lines](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gVftd6qZYr2iFhpG7mh2cj-320-80.jpg)
The GoAnywhere data breach explained
By Connor Jones last updated
In-depth How a zero-day vulnerability in Fortra’s GoAnywhere MFT product led to breaches of high-profile firms across the globe
![Female cyber security analyst with glasses working on computer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Waw5uyPEzd9eCdtEYtFQZ-320-80.jpg)
Breached for years: How long-term cyber attacks are able to linger
By Connor Jones published
IN-DEPTH As the number of major organizations breached over several years stack up, we examine the deeply entrenched issues that facilitate the worst kind of attacks
![Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Graphic showcasing a showdown between Ubuntu and Mint](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eC4Kbc9BN2EQfLDTSMbyGV-320-80.jpg)
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu: Which one is better?
By Connor Jones, Jane McCallion last updated
In-depth Linux Mint vs Ubuntu is a lingering debate among Linux users, but what are the differences?
![System administrator appreciation day: mockup showing a man sat at a desk working ata. computer, as well as data centre imagery in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DgR9jrfKxPKgLu43sMt8j9-320-80.jpg)
System Administrator Appreciation Day 2023: Stories from over the years, history of the role, and more
By Connor Jones last updated
Live Blog At the heart of any smooth-running organization is a good sysadmin, a role that's often under-appreciated by many
![Microsoft Windows 11 logo in front of a background of sprawling neon blue code on a black background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rznqZp96zGh8p7n7BHS9hJ-320-80.jpg)
Microsoft continues its Rust mission with new kernel features
By Connor Jones published
News The latest critical feature comes as a "small trial" to select Windows Insiders
![Fulham FC logo on a corner flag inside Craven Cottage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KtLyFWTva3ShubEsTnHXgE-320-80.jpg)
Why Fulham FC’s geography makes running IT so challenging
By Connor Jones published
Case Study Fending off cyber criminals and keeping equipment updated on match days is more difficult than you might think
![A sign in a conference hall lobby showing the logo for Kaseya DattoCon Europe 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CsimZVg9HDtyiwHQmuwQz5-320-80.jpg)
Kaseya says Datto acquisition has been critical for delivering partner savings
By Connor Jones published
News The Profit Fuel exercise has been delivered to around 250 partners already and delivers savings of 30-40%
![A wide angle photo of a conference hall showing Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola on stage speaking to an audience](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Py4fpEP9nfJh2rBF2pdKxm-320-80.jpg)
Kaseya admits customer complaints expose a serious communication problem
By Connor Jones published
News Faced with complaints across contracts and billing, CEO Fred Voccola regrets ‘not getting certain things right the first time’
![Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola walking across a stage at Kaseya DattoCon Europe 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hwP8ypBMnk3HWV7MFTd8cU-320-80.jpg)
Kaseya CEO: "We're kicking total ass - there's no one at our scale"
By Connor Jones published
News Fred Voccola talks up the company’s growth rate and huge hiring spree in the face of a challenging economy
![Kaseya CEO Fred Voccola walking across a stage with the words Kaseya Datto con displayed behind him](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6pstty5UBcgCVbSErmXgcU-320-80.jpg)
Kaseya acknowledges partner program ‘teething problems’, promises to hire more account managers
By Connor Jones published
News Partners have complained of an inconsistent account service since Kaseya bought Datto last year
![Kaseya DattoCon Europe 2023 logo appearing on the front of the Dublin convention center](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dd8tc9krtuSaRSUaimUNSA-320-80.jpg)
Kaseya DattoCon Europe 2023: All the day-one announcements
By Connor Jones last updated
Live Blog Live coverage of the keynote from the first day of Kaseya DattoCon Europe 2023
![Log4J: Hacker's hand hovering over an illuminated MacBook keyboard - an image denoting hacking](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y8abhoQWdvEHQQfbBgpqEn-320-80.jpg)
Log4J exploits may rise further as Microsoft continues war on phishing
By Connor Jones published
News Despite Log4J patches being made almost immediately in 2021, exploit attempts are still in the tens of millions
![System hacked alert appearing on a computer screen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wxwQh5vaMoKWvRvc4tsgMe-320-80.jpg)
The top malware and ransomware threats for June 2023
By Connor Jones published
News Organizations face a fresh round of cyber threats as criminals continue to evolve their tactics
![MOVEit: Digital security padlock with encrypted binary code on futuristic circuit board](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8UD9Rbm37RcjHhKFrHRB96-320-80.jpg)
MOVEit cyber attack: Cl0p sparks speculation that it’s lost control of hack
By Connor Jones published
News The hackers return with their second major data-extortion attack of 2023, but may have bitten off more than they can chew
![Child using tablet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/c3GXQt6GAodHxKNhjdnDKG-320-80.jpg)
What is e-safety?
By Connor Jones last updated
In-depth We explain what e-safety is and how it can be managed in schools and beyond