An NHS cyber-attack forced major UK hospitals to cancel ops was conducted by group of Russian cyber criminals.
Russian cyber-criminals were behind a ransomware attack that brought operations to a halt at major hospitals.
Qilin hacked a private contractor which runs pathology services for the NHS across much of London.
Crippling Services
The cyber-gang, behind dozens of similar attacks, is said to have seized control of the IT network crippling services such as diagnostic blood testing & blood transfusions.
It is likely to be demanding 100s of thousands of pounds to restore service as well as threatening to publish confidential data online.
Qilin was identified by former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, who explained: “It’s one of the more serious we’ve seen in this country.
“They’re simply looking for money.”
Big Issue
Qilin has been linked to attacks on car companies, courts & even the ‘Big Issue’ magazine.
Its latest raid forced hospitals including King’s College & Guy’s & St Thomas’ to declare a major incident.
Qilin operates openly as Russia refuses to extradite criminals & ended co-operation after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
Absolute Priority
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins outlined on Wed. that her “absolute priority is patient safety”.
On social media site X, formerly Twitter, Ms Atkins wrote: “Throughout yesterday I had meetings with NHS England & the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to oversee the response to the cyber-attack on pathology services in SE London.
“My absolute priority is patient safety & the safe resumption of services in the coming days.”
The Health Service Journal (HSJ) reported one senior NHS manager saying: “It is everyone’s worst nightmare.
“Even if you could transport samples around London to other labs how would you get the results back as they are not integrated in that way?
“Urgent tests will have to be managed onsite.
“They will no doubt be asking GPs to send urgent tests only, to manage volumes.”
Huge Problem
Another source told the HSJ the attack presented a huge problem for urgent & emergency care at the hospitals as they would not be able to access quick-turnaround blood test results.
A spokesperson for NHS England London region stated on Tues. that Mon’s incident was “having a significant impact” on the delivery of services at Guy’s & St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust & primary care services in SE London.
Rishi Sunak discussed the cyber-attacks during a South London visit.
