The Health Service Executive have taken precautionary steps following a ransomware attack on the British National Health Service.
A meeting was called last night to discuss how to safeguard the HSE from the global cyber attack that has already affected 99 countries across the globe. Although Ireland has not been targeted as of yet, the HSE have begun safeguarding their systems against such an attack by disconnecting external access to the network over the weekend.
When the NHS was attacked on Friday, thousands of patients were affected, with their files being inaccessible and operations having to be postponed.
Up to 1,500 devices are at risk, including diagnostic imaging devices and Bio-Medical Device control machines.
The HSE’S IT National Service Desk has been placed on high alert, however they urge clinical staff in Ireland to continue using digital solutions when caring for their patients.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the HSE says; “Following a decision by HSE’s Leadership last evening to remove all external access to the HSE IT Network, access to external email has been removed from all threatened and targeted devices.
“Overnight, the HSE’s Office of the CIO has been working closely with the organisations that deliver technology to the health system regarding assurance and levels of preparedness for this recent cyber-attack. Anti-Virus updates are currently being installed in these devices and a process of testing is underway. As there are approximately 1,500 devices it is expected that this process will take a number of days to complete.
“The HSE’s Office of the CIO is working with all vendors to ensure that clinical staff can [and are urged to] continue to use digital solutions to support the delivery of care.
“Staff have been extremely supportive during this difficult time. All Health Services staff are advised to have an increased level of digital vigilance while this cyber threat exists. They are advised “if you don’t know the source, don’t click it”.”
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