Cyber criminals publish more stolen health board data
Helpline set up after new release on to dark web
ARANSOMWARE group has published a large volume of data stolen during a cyber attack on a Scottish health board. Cyber criminals were able to access a significant amount of data including patient and staff-identifiable information during the attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway which began at the end of February.
Data relating to a small number of patients was released in March, and the hackers had threatened that more would follow. The health board said data accessed by the cyber criminals has now been published on to the dark web. It has set up a helpline for anyone concerned about the attack and is working with police and other agencies as investigations continue.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Julie White said: “This is an utterly abhorrent criminal act by cyber criminals who had threatened to release more data. We should not be surprised at this outcome, as this is in line with the way these criminal groups operate.
“Work is beginning to take place with partner agencies to assess the data which has been published. This very much remains a live criminal matter, and we are continuing to work with national agencies including Police Scotland, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Scottish Government.
“NHS Dumfries and Galloway is conscious that this may cause increased anxiety and concern for patients and staff, with a telephone helpline now available sharing the information hosted at our website. The information been published on to the dark web, which is not readily accessible to most people.
“We continue to follow the very clear guidance being provided by national law enforcement agencies.”
South of Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: “There is no doubt it will cause a great deal of anxiety for patients and staff of NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
“It is important that the NHS tries to do what it did when the initial data was released, that is contact the individuals affected.
“But if they can’t do that because the data is so substantial it is very important the NHS makes that clear at an early stage and at the very least contacts the most vulnerable people whose data may have been released.”
A dedicated telephone helpline on 01387 216 777 is operating Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm and on Saturday from 9am-1pm.
The health board urged everyone to be alert for any attempts to access their work and personal data, or for approaches by anyone claiming to be in possession of either their personal data or NHS data, whether this approach comes by email, telephone, social media or some other means.
People are advised to take down details about the approach and contact Police Scotland by phoning 101. Information is being regularly updated on the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/cyberattack.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said its inquiries were continuing. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is important to note that the incident remains contained to NHS Dumfries and Galloway and there have been no further incidents across NHS Scotland as a whole.
“The Scottish Government is working with the health board, Police Scotland and other agencies including the National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre to assess the level of this breach and the possible implications for individuals concerned.”