Major London hospitals cancelled some operations on Tuesday after a cyber-attack on a key service supplier had a “major impact”, particularly on blood transfusions, the National Health Service (NHS) said.
The attack on pathology partner Synnovis hit King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ in the centre of the British capital.
“On Monday 3 June Synnovis, a provider of lab services, was the victim of a ransomware cyber attack,” said a spokesperson for NHS England, London region.
“This is having a significant impact on the delivery of services at Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts and primary care services,” they added.
Ian Abbs, CEO of Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, earlier wrote in a staff memo that the attack was “having a major impact on the delivery of our services, with blood transfusions being particularly affected.
“Some activity has already been cancelled or redirected to other providers,” he added.
The Health Service Journal trade publication reported that it could take “weeks, not days” to access pathology results, according to a senior source.
A cyberattack is an attempt by hackers to damage or disrupt computer systems, networks, or devices, often to steal data, inflict damage, or demand ransom.
These attacks can take various forms, including malware, phishing, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and ransomware.
Common motivations include financial gain, espionage, activism, or sheer vandalism. To mitigate such threats, organizations employ strategies like regular software updates, robust security protocols, encryption, and employee training on security awareness.
As cyber threats evolve, maintaining up-to-date defenses and quick response plans is crucial for minimizing impact.
AFP
