Displaying items by tag: ransomware attack

The UK’s data protection watchdog plans to fine Advanced Computer Software Group £6.09 million ($7.7 million) for failings that led to a 2022 ransomware attack affecting NHS healthcare services. Nearly 83,000 people had their data stolen, causing significant disruption, including NHS non-emergency phone operators reverting to pen-and-paper operations. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) emphasised that the penalty is provisional, pending Advanced’s response. The attack was attributed to LockBit, exploiting a customer account without multi-factor authentication (MFA) to breach the systems. Personal data of 82,946 individuals was stolen, including phone numbers, medical records, and sensitive information about access to the homes of vulnerable individuals. While Advanced found no evidence of this data being published online, the potential risk was severe. Information commissioner John Edwards stressed the importance of prioritising information security, highlighting the distress caused by losing control of sensitive data and the disruption to healthcare services.

An urgent appeal for blood donors has been issued following a ransomware attack on London's NHS hospitals, attributed to a Russian cybercriminal group. The attack disrupted operations and caused cancellations of procedures and blood transfusions. NHS Blood and Transplant urgently seeks O positive and O negative blood donors to replenish stocks. Medical students have been asked to volunteer for long shifts to support hospitals during this crisis. The NHS is working to minimise disruption and advises patients to attend appointments unless contacted otherwise. We pray for swift recovery and resilience for the NHS amidst this cyberattack.

A recent ransomware attack by the Russian cybercriminal group Qilin has significantly impacted pathology services at several major London hospitals. The attack disrupted NHS services, leading to the cancellation or redirection of procedures and operations. Ciaran Martin, former chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, explained that these criminals, seeking financial gain, operate freely from within Russia and have a history of targeting various organisations globally. This attack, involving the shutdown of systems rather than data theft, has severely affected healthcare operations, reflecting the serious nature of such ransomware incidents.