On June 3rd, Synnovis, a key pathology laboratory for several NHS organisations, was hit by a severe ransomware attack. The Russian-speaking hacker group, Qilin, claimed responsibility for the attack, which led to over 380GB of sensitive data being leaked. This included patient information and financial records. The hackers infiltrated Synnovis' IT systems, encrypted files, and demanded a $50 million ransom for their release.
Hospitals Affected by the Synnovis Ransomware Attack
The main hospitals affected by the attack were:
- Guy's Hospital
- St Thomas' Hospital
- King's College Hospital in London
Impact on Medical Services Due to Synnovis Cyber Attack
The attack had a profound impact on various medical services. Here’s a breakdown of the disruptions experienced during the week of the attack:
Planned Care (Day Case and Inpatient Treatments)
- 814 elective procedures postponed
- 97 of these were cancer treatments
Transplant Services
- 18 organs were diverted to other Trusts
- Most diverted organs were kidneys
Maternity Services
- 5 planned C-sections postponed or rescheduled
Outpatient Appointments
- 736 hospital outpatient appointments postponed
- 125 community outpatient appointments postponed
These disruptions caused a significant backlog in medical procedures, leaving patients and healthcare providers grappling with the delays. The deferral of cancer treatments and critical surgeries underscores the severe impact on patient care and outcomes.
Broader Impact of the Synnovis Ransomware Incident
Synnovis also provides specialist testing for other hospitals across the UK. The following NHS Trusts and primary care services were also heavily impacted:
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
- Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
- Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
- Bromley Healthcare
- Primary care services in South East London
The ripple effect of the attack on these organisations has been substantial. Routine diagnostics, crucial for timely medical interventions, were disrupted. This highlights the interconnectedness of healthcare services and the far-reaching consequences of a single cyber incident.
The Importance of Robust Cybersecurity for Healthcare
The Synnovis ransomware attack has had a huge impact on the NHS, causing significant disruptions to its services. This incident underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect vital healthcare infrastructure and data. Ensuring the security of these systems is essential for the uninterrupted delivery of critical medical services.
Cyberattacks on healthcare facilities can jeopardize patient safety, disrupt essential services, and lead to financial and reputational damage. The NHS must bolster its cybersecurity posture to prevent future incidents and safeguard patient data.
How Periculo Can Help with Healthcare Cybersecurity
At Periculo, we understand the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity solutions in healthcare. Our services include NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) compliance and supplier assurance, designed to fortify your organisation's defenses against cyber threats.
- NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT): We help healthcare organisations comply with NHS standards, ensuring your data protection measures are robust and effective.
- Supplier Assurance: Our tailored solutions ensure that your suppliers adhere to stringent cybersecurity standards, minimizing vulnerabilities within your supply chain.
Periculo is committed to making a difference in the medical community by protecting patient data and maintaining the continuity of healthcare services. We believe that every medical organisation deserves the highest level of cybersecurity assurance. Our expert team is dedicated to providing solutions that allow you to focus on delivering exceptional patient care without the worry of cyber threats.
Find out more on what Periculo can offer.
