June 23, 2024 at 09:21PM
The Russian group Qilin’s ransomware attack on London hospitals has caused ongoing cancellations of operations and appointments, impacting patient services. It is reported that patient data including names, dates of birth, and test descriptions have been published online. This attack also compromised records covering 300 million patient interactions. The National Crime Agency is leading the investigation.
Here are the key takeaways from the meeting notes:
1. The National Health Service (NHS) in London is currently facing an investigation into a ransomware attack on several hospitals by the Russian group Qilin. The attack, which occurred on June 3, has caused significant disruptions to hospital operations and appointments, particularly in southeast London.
2. The affected hospitals include King’s College, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and other clinics and doctors’ practices across the city. The attack has been deemed a “critical incident” with a major impact, particularly on services like blood transfusions.
3. Data related to the attack, including patient records and test results, have reportedly been published online by the Qilin group. This has raised concerns about patient privacy and the security of sensitive medical information.
4. The National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre are actively working to verify the data that has been published but have cautioned that investigations of this nature can be highly complex and may take weeks to complete.
5. Approximately 300 million patient interactions, including sensitive medical test results, were reportedly stolen during the attack, creating a significant breach of patient data.
6. To assist affected patients, a dedicated website and helpline have been established to address concerns and help coordinate any necessary re-testing.
7. The National Crime Agency has confirmed that it is leading the criminal investigation into the attack, but further details have not been disclosed.
It’s clear that this ransomware attack has had a profound impact on the healthcare system in London, necessitating significant investigative efforts and patient support initiatives.