.svg)
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.
The main hospitals affected by the attack were:
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)
Transplant Services
Maternity Services
Outpatient Appointments
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.
Synnovis also provides specialist testing for other hospitals across the UK. The following NHS Trusts and primary care services were also heavily impacted:
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 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.
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.
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.
Contact Periculo for expert cyber security solutions tailored to the digital health industry.
