NHS cyber attack highlights the dangers of our reliance on computers
SIR – Cyber attacks like the one on the NHS – whether mounted by individuals, anarchist groups or hostile nations – have the capacity to rapidly damage our infrastructure.
As a society, we are becoming over-reliant on computers and the internet. We need to make our systems much more secure – or have simple, reliable back-up systems. Tony Brown
Torquay, Devon
SIR – Why are NHS computers connected to the internet at all?
Viewing X-rays, scans and reports, writing letters and making appointments are all done on the internal network and do not require internet access. Connection to other hospitals in a trust can be made via a secure dedicated line. Although it is useful to access online clinical databases, this can be done using smartphones, or a standalone computer not connected to the NHS network. Dr Tim Lewis
Land shipping, Pembrokeshire SIR – Thank goodness we scrapped the lunatic ID card and national database scheme. Barry Tighe
Woodford Green, Essex
SIR – The attack on the NHS computer systems was not only predictable but easily avoidable. The use of outdated computers with outdated software only invites attack.
Constantly updating the operating systems should not just be an option: it should be compulsory. The cost of doing this is far lower than the cost of recovering from an attack.
Funds must be found to start a complete overhaul of all NHS systems, as well as other public bodies’ systems, if we are to prevent a disaster of unimaginable magnitude. Nick Parry
Chester
SIR – Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has told the NHS trusts that they all need to learn from the attack and upgrade their IT systems. May I be so bold as to ask her where they are going to find the money to achieve this when real-terms NHS funding is in decline? Mark Boyle
Johnstone, Renfrewshire
SIR – The blame for the attack lies not with the NHS but with the hackers – and Microsoft.
In order to make more money, Microsoft wants us to keep buying new operating systems. The vast majority of us are quite happy with XP, but Microsoft has stopped supporting it. That leaves it with no update patches and therefore vulnerable to cyber attacks. Dr Brian Wareing
Chester
SIR – I gather that some hospitals have been asking members of the public only to attend A&E “if absolutely necessary”.
Shouldn’t this always be the case? Rachel Collins
Winchester, Hampshire