‘.Live: 5 London Hospitals ‘Declare a Critical Incident’ Amid ‘Cyber Attack’
Update (January 10, 10:30 AM):
The NHS has confirmed that multiple hospitals in London have been affected by a “cyber attack.”
Original Article:
Five hospitals in London have reportedly declared a “critical incident” following a suspected cyber attack. According to reports, the hospitals include: * Barts Health NHS Trust (Royal London Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, Whipps Cross University Hospital) * University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust * Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust * King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust * The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust The incidents have reportedly caused disruption to IT systems and phone lines at the hospitals. The National Health Service (NHS) has not yet confirmed the nature of the incident. However, sources within the NHS have told media outlets that it is a “cyber attack.” The BBC reports that the attack is believed to have originated from overseas. A “critical incident” is declared when an event occurs that has the potential to cause significant harm to patients or the public. The hospitals involved have activated their emergency response plans and are working to restore their systems. Patients are advised to call 111 or 999 in emergencies. Routine appointments may be canceled or rescheduled. The incident is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released in the coming hours. Stay tuned to this live blog for updates as they become available.
5 London Hospitals Declare Critical Incident Amid ‘Cyber Attack’
Latest Updates:
*
18:48 GMT:
The National Health Service (NHS) has confirmed that a cyber attack has caused “significant disruption” to its services. *
17:55 GMT:
Five London hospitals have declared a critical incident due to the attack: * Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust * King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust * Princess Royal University Hospital * Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust * University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust *
17:25 GMT:
The hospitals are experiencing disruption to their IT systems and are advising patients to attend appointments as usual but be prepared for delays. *
16:50 GMT:
The NHS says the attack is a “sophisticated and targeted” ransomware attack that has encrypted its files. *
16:15 GMT:
The attack has affected computer systems across England and Wales, including hospitals, GP surgeries, and other NHS organizations.
Background:
* A cyber attack is a deliberate attempt to gain unauthorized access to a computer system or network with the intent to damage or steal data. * Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment to decrypt them. * The NHS has been targeted by several cyber attacks in recent years, including the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017.
Impact:
* The attack is causing significant disruption to patient care, with surgeries and appointments being canceled or delayed. * Patients are advised to check with their hospital before attending appointments. * The NHS is working to restore its systems as quickly as possible.
Ongoing Developments:
* The National Crime Agency (NCA) is investigating the attack. * The NHS is advising organizations to take precautions against ransomware attacks, including backing up data and using strong passwords. * The incident is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector, which is becoming increasingly reliant on digital systems.
Sources:
* [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-51220671) * [NHS England](https://www.england.nhs.uk/cyberattack/) * [National Cyber Security Centre](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/)