A GROUP of Russian cyber criminals is behind a ransomware attack that brought operations to a halt at major hospitals.
Qilin hacked a private contractor which runs pathology services for the NHS across much of London.
2
2
The cyber-gang, behind dozens of similar attacks, is said to have seized control of the IT network crippling services such as diagnostic blood testing and blood transfusions.
It is likely to be demanding hundreds of thousands of pounds to restore service as well as threatening to publish confidential data online.
Qilin was identified by former boss of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, who said: “It’s one of the more serious we’ve seen in this country.
“They’re simply looking for money.”
READ MORE ON CYBER ATTACKS
Qilin has been linked to attacks on car companies, courts and even the Big Issue magazine.
Its latest raid forced hospitals including King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ to declare a major incident.
Qilin operates openly as Russia refuses to extradite criminals and ended co-operation after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said on Wednesday that her “absolute priority is patient safety”.
On social media site X, formerly Twitter, Ms Atkins wrote: “Throughout yesterday I had meetings with NHS England and the National Cyber Security Centre to oversee the response to the cyber attack on pathology services in south-east London.
“My absolute priority is patient safety and the safe resumption of services in the coming days.”
The Health Service Journal (HSJ) reported one senior NHS manager saying: “It’s everyone’s worst nightmare.
“Even if you could transport samples around London to other labs how would you get the results back as they are not integrated in that way?
“Urgent tests will have to be managed onsite.
“They will no doubt be asking GPs to send urgent tests only, to manage volumes.”
Another source told the HSJ the attack presented a huge problem for urgent and emergency care at the hospitals as they would not be able to access quick-turnaround blood test results.
A spokesman for NHS England London region said on Tuesday that Monday’s incident was “having a significant impact” on the delivery of services at Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and primary care services in south-east London.