NHS Dumfries and Galloway suffers cyber attack, patient and staff data at risk

NHS Dumfries and Galloway announced it had been the target of a “focused and sustained cyber attack”.

The health department said it is cooperating with police Scotlandthe National Cyber ​​Security Center and the Scottish Government to address vulnerabilities in their systems.

It warned that hackers may be able to “obtain large amounts of data” and said the incident could cause service disruptions.

The cybersecurity agency is currently working to determine what data may have been accessed, but the health board said it has reason to believe it may include “patient identifiable data and staff identifiable data”.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway said in a statement: “The breach of confidential data is an extremely serious matter.

“We encourage everyone, including employees and the public, to be alert to attempts to access their systems or methods by anyone claiming to have data relating to them.

“If any of the above occurs, please contact Police Scotland immediately on 101.”

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The Health Bureau has established Dedicated web page About the attack.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Investigations into the cyber attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway are continuing.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said the Scottish Government was providing support to the committee.

He said: “There are well-established procedures for dealing with situations like this.

“We are providing help and support to NHS Dumfries and Galloway in dealing with this incident and NHS NSS (National Service Scotland) is working with other departments within NHS Scotland and will provide the latest information where necessary.”