Health board hit by cyber attack with ‘significant quantity’ of data at risk

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NHS Dumfries and Galloway has been hit by a cyber attack, with the well being board saying a “significant quantity” of data has been put at risk and companies might probably be disrupted.

In an announcement posted to its web site on Friday, the board stated the attack was “focused and ongoing” and the recordsdata accessed might embody “patient-identifiable and staff-identifiable data”, with NHS employees and the general public inspired to “be on their guard”.

The nature of the attack is at present unclear, however Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray stated the Scottish Government is providing assist to the board.

The well being board’s assertion stated: “NHS Dumfries and Galloway has been the target of a focused and ongoing cyber attack.

“This prompted a swift response in line with our established protocols, working with partner agencies including Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Agency and the Scottish Government.

“There may be some disruption to services as a result of this situation.

“During these incursions into our systems, there is a risk that hackers have been able to acquire a significant quantity of data.

“Work is continuing together with cyber security agencies to investigate what data may have been accessed, but we have reason to believe that this could include patient-identifiable and staff-identifiable data.

“Breach of confidential data is an incredibly serious matter. We are encouraging everyone, staff and public, to be on their guard for any attempt to access their systems or approaches from anyone claiming to be in possession of data relating to them.”

Police Scotland confirmed the attack had taken place.

Mr Gray stated: “I am aware that NHS Dumfries and Galloway has been affected by an ongoing cyber attack.

“Scottish Government officials have been in close contact with the board, Police Scotland and other partners. including the National Crime Agency and NHS National Services Scotland (NSS).

“There are well established procedures for dealing with a situation of this kind. We are providing assistance and support to NHS Dumfries and Galloway as they handle this incident, and NHS NSS is engaging with the rest of NHS Scotland and providing updates as necessary.”

A spokeswoman from the National Cyber Security Centre stated: “We are working with law enforcement, NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government to fully understand the impact of an incident.”