It’s been revealed that not only was the HSE targeted but so too the Department of Health in sophisticated and extremely complex cyber attacks over the past fortnight.
Just last Thursday, the situation came to light with a so-called Ransomware being demanded of some €16 million, allegedly by Russian or Eastern European groups.
The HSE say that it’s not yet known the full extent of the damage caused. It’s put the HSE to the pin of their collar and it’s nowhere near over yet. The ransomware cyber attack and practically destroyed the HSE’s computer system, experts say. It could be a total rebuild job if they can’t manage to install backups and reinstate all the private data that the cyber groups have taken hold of and are holding ransom.
A cyberattack has forced the HSE to shut down its entire IT network as of Friday morning. It’s understood the entire HSE computer system was thrown into severe jeopardy and has been practically decimated as a result of the attack.
The incident is causing ongoing major disruption to medical appointments and other hospital-related activities throughout the country.
The origin of the attack is unclear but it’s understood that they “trapped” personal data and are claiming to only release it upon a hefty paid ransom.
The government have reportedly drafted in an international security company to try and deal with the problem.
This story is developing.
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