Investigation of Russian hack on London hospitals may take weeks amid worries over online data dump

The recent ransomware attack on London hospitals by the Russian group Qilin has left healthcare officials scrambling to assess the damage and protect patient data. According to sources, the investigation into the attack may take weeks to complete, with some patients needing to undergo repeat tests to ensure their medical information remains secure.

The attack, which occurred earlier this month, saw hackers infiltrate the computer systems of several London hospitals, demanding a ransom in exchange for the release of sensitive patient data. While officials have yet to confirm the specific hospitals affected, sources indicate that at least three major healthcare facilities were targeted.

The investigation into the attack is being led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is working closely with the NHS and other relevant authorities. According to a spokesperson for the NCSC, the investigation is “ongoing” and “complex,” with officials working around the clock to assess the extent of the damage and identify the perpetrators.

One of the key concerns for healthcare officials is the potential for patient data to have been compromised during the attack. While the NHS has confirmed that no patient data was accessed or stolen, there are fears that some patients may need to undergo repeat tests to ensure their medical information remains secure.

“We are taking a precautionary approach to this incident,” said a spokesperson for the NHS. “While we have no evidence to suggest that patient data was accessed or stolen, we want to ensure that all patients receive the appropriate level of care and support in the wake of this attack.”

The repeat tests will focus on patients who received treatment at the affected hospitals during the time of the attack. These tests will cover a range of areas, including blood work, imaging, and other diagnostic procedures.

“We understand that this may cause some inconvenience for patients, but we want to take every precaution to ensure their safety and well-being,” said the NHS spokesperson. “We will do everything in our power to minimize disruption and ensure that patients receive the care they need.”

The ransomware attack on London hospitals has highlighted the growing threat of cyber attacks on healthcare institutions. According to a recent report by the Institute of Critical Infrastructure Technology (ICIT), healthcare organizations are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks due to their reliance on outdated technology and lack of resources for cybersecurity.

“Healthcare organizations are facing an unprecedented level of cyber threats,” said a spokesperson for ICIT. “From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, the healthcare industry is a prime target for hackers. It’s imperative that healthcare institutions take proactive steps to protect their systems and data.”

In response to the attack, the NHS has announced plans to increase its investment in cybersecurity measures. This includes implementing advanced threat detection tools, enhancing employee training and awareness programs, and improving incident response protocols.

“We take the security of our systems and data extremely seriously,” said a spokesperson for the NHS. “We will do everything in our power to prevent attacks like this from happening in the future.”

In conclusion, the investigation into the Russian hack on London hospitals may take weeks to complete, with some patients needing to undergo repeat tests to ensure their medical information remains secure. The attack highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks on healthcare institutions and the need for increased investment in cybersecurity measures. The NHS is taking a proactive approach to addressing the incident and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.