Another major cyber-attack could be on the way as soon as Monday, IT security experts have warned. Friday’s global hit infected more than 125,000 computer systems across the world, spreading to at least one hundred countries. The effects of that ransomware attack are still being tackled and industry experts now fear a further attack could be imminent.
There have been no further reported problems with NHS systems in Scotland following the global cyber-attack, Health Secretary Shona Robison confirmed last night.
Thirteen boards have been affected and measures to isolate any issues are now in place, with some systems expected to be operational over the weekend.
Key information:
- The boards affected are: NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Lanarkshire, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Tayside, NHS Western Isles, NHS Highlands, NHS Grampian, NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS National Services and Scottish Ambulance Service
- In many areas, with the exception of NHS Lanarkshire, the number of PCs or systems affected is in single figures.
- There is no evidence that patient data has been compromised and patient services, including emergency service, are continuing to operate across Scotland.
- Other public bodies are currently running checks on their systems as a precaution ahead of the working week starting on Monday.
The First Minister and Ms Robison have been updated on the situation and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has participated in the UK Government COBR meeting chaired by the Home Secretary this afternoon.
Ms Robison said: “This has been a global cyber-attack which has impacted on countries across the world and clearly any incident of this nature is hugely concerning – but it’s important to stress that there is no evidence to suggest patient data has been compromised.
“This week’s incident emphasises the importance for all of us – the public and private sectors as well as the general public – to have the appropriate measures in place to protect against these kinds of attack.
“We have taken all necessary steps to ensure the cause and nature of this attack is identified and have managed to isolate the issues within the NHS in Scotland. Boards are currently working on protecting and restoring those systems where possible, with a view to getting most operational by Monday.”
She added: “The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is leading the response to these attacks and we continue to receive updates on the situation and their efforts to rectify the issues faced. We are working closely with them and are being guided by their expert knowledge in this field.
“Again, our priority is ensuring boards get all the support they need and get systems back normal as soon as possible, so there is as little impact on patient care as possible.
“I would like to thank all of the NHS staff who are working round the clock to rectify this and keep any impact to an absolute minimum. I have complete confidence that they will continue to provide the excellent care for which they are famous.”
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published guidance on how to protect IT systems from the ‘WannaCry’ ransomware:
- Guidance on how to deal with the ‘WannaCry’ malware
- How to report a security incident if you become a victim of a cyber attack
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