Another ransomware attack: an NHS children’s hospital is the latest victim
- An NHS children’s hospital has been hit by a data breach
- The data breach is probably part of a ransomware attack on the hospital
- The hospital has confirmed it is not linked to last week’s attack on a Wirral hospital
A children’s hospital in Liverpool is investigating claims of a ransomware attack after an alleged data breach was discovered on the dark web. The infamous group INC Ransom has taken credit for the breach.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in Europe, treating more than 450,000 patients a year, but fortunately reports no patient disruptions as a result of the potential breach.
The data leaked online reportedly consists of eleven screenshots that indicate a data breach of ‘large-scale’ proportions. This includes donation data, purchasing data and patient medical records, including personally identifiable information such as names, addresses and hospital numbers.
An isolated incident
Despite this being the latest in a series of cyber attacks targeting NHS organisations, Alder Hey has confirmed that this incident is not related to the attack on Wirral University Teaching Hospital that took place just a few days earlier.
Alder Hey staff are working with the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and other agencies to verify the data affected by the breach and the impact of the attack.
“We are aware that data has been published online and shared via social media claiming to have been obtained illegally through systems shared by Alder Hey and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. We are working with partners to verify the published data and understand the potential impact.” Alder Hey said in a statement.
The average demand has risen to more than $1.5 million, with repairs often costing double that. Hospitals and healthcare organizations are attractive targets for ransomware attacks because they store sensitive information and provide a crucial service, the disruption of which could have serious consequences for patients and staff.
Via The Guardian