Investigation launched into NHS Dumfries and Galloway cyber attack
The health services are ‘generally running as normal’ following a cyber-attack last week.
Last updated 19th Mar 2024
An investigation has been launched after NHS Dumfries and Galloway experienced a cyber-attack last Friday.
The health board are concerned that a ‘significant amount’ of patient and staff-specific data has been obtained by the hackers.
Chief Executive Jeff Ace also confirms that the health service is working with partner agencies to address this situation:
“The NHS Board views patient and staff confidentiality as a key priority, along with ensuring welfare and wellbeing. As such, very great effort is being made to address this situation, and to try to prevent it from being repeated.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray says the Scottish Government is fully supporting NHS Dumfries and Galloway through this troubling turmoil:
“While I understand this news will have been both alarming for patients and staff, I can assure Parliament of the board responded swiftly and in line with established protocol. I have personally spoken to the Chief Executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and I’m assured my officials are fully supporting them as a part of a multi-agency approach.”
Local Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth raised the issue at Holyrood on Tuesday:
“We know from past attacks on the NHS that the motive can often be related to extortion attempts on organisations or individuals. So, can the Cabinet Secretary tell us what actions are being taken to protect the staff and patients from extortion attempts?”
Neil Gray admits it’s a tricky situation:
“The difficulty – and again I’m limited on what I can say because of the live police investigation – is around how we can directly contact patients given that we do not know exactly what data has been taken.”
As the investigation is still ongoing, the NHS are asking everyone to ‘be on their guard’ and any incidents should be reported to Police Scotland immediately on 101.