The cyber attack blocked doctors and health professionals from accessing patient records for months – with some parts of the system still not working today, according to the Sunday Mail.
The cyber attack happened in August earlier this yearCredit: Getty
It is thought to be one of the worst attacks in NHS history
It is thought that the hackers behind it could have stolen private patient files whilst also affecting treatment times.
The ransomware attack happened on August 4 earlier this year and forced staff to transfer records and files onto paper and emails.
The security breach crippled the Adastra system and is said to be “one of the worst” attacks in NHS history.
The firm that operated the Adastra software in NHS systems, called Advanced, said there was “no indication” patient data had been compromised, but was unable to give a definitive response when asked to clarify by the Sunday Mail.
They admitted that they were “monitoring the dark web as a belt-and-braces measure” in case anyone who had managed to steal patient information tried to sell it online.
Around 5.5million patients from across Scotland are thought to be affected – as well as some services in both England and Wales.
It is understood that speculation about who was behind the attack has ranged from Russian hackers to a cyber criminal gang.
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and National Cyber Security Centre are investigating the incident.
The system manages patient files and has access to confidential notes across all areas of the NHS.
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/9832164/fears-nhs-files-leak-cyber-attack/amp/
