Merseyside Hospitals Hit by Cyber Attack, Data Breach Investigated
2024-12-05
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Three hospitals in Merseyside, including Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital, have been targeted in a cyber attack, following a similar incident at Wirral's Arrowe Park hospital. The attackers have potentially accessed confidential data, which they have threatened to release. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the data breach, but the affected hospitals have secured their systems. While services at Alder Hey were not disrupted, Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust is still in the process of recovering services, prioritizing emergency treatment, and urging patients with non-urgent issues to seek alternative healthcare options. Authorities, including the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre, are involved in the response effort.
Sensitive Data
Merseyside, NHS, healthcare, cyber attack, data breach, Alder Hey, hospital security
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Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust
Three hospitals in Merseyside, UK, have been hit by a cyber attack. The affected institutions include Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital. This incident follows a similar attack on Wirral's Arrowe Park hospital. The cyber attack led to concerns that confidential data might have been accessed and could be released by the attackers. Screenshots of potentially stolen data were reportedly published online. Hospital authorities are actively investigating to determine the scope of the data breach. The hospitals have secured their systems to prevent further unauthorized access, although some services, especially at Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust, are still in recovery. The incident caused Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust to assess the risk to patient data while ensuring that hospital services remained operational. In contrast, Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust experienced service disruptions, leading to long wait times in emergency departments and the cancellation of some appointments. The main clinical system is in the process of being restored, with emergency treatment prioritized. Patients with appointments at Wirral University Teaching Hospital are advised to attend as scheduled, while those with non-urgent concerns should use alternative healthcare services like NHS 111, walk-in centers, or pharmacies. Merseyside Police, along with the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre, are involved in the investigation and recovery efforts, providing support and assistance to the affected hospitals.Cyber Attack Targets Merseyside Hospitals
Overview
Incident Details
Impact on Hospital Operations
Recovery Efforts and Recommendations
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3vrk2e0xvwo