A GROUP of Russian cybercriminals is behind a ransomware attack that disrupted operations at major hospitals.
Qilin hacked a private contractor that runs pathology services for the NHS across much of London.
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The cyber gang, behind dozens of similar attacks, is said to have taken control of the IT network, disrupting services such as diagnostic blood tests and blood transfusions.
It is likely to require hundreds of thousands of pounds to restore service, as well as threatening to publish sensitive data online.
Qilin was identified by former head of the National Cyber Security Center, Ciaran Martin, who said: “It’s one of the most serious we’ve seen in this country.
“They are simply looking for money.”
Qilin has been linked to attacks on car manufacturers, courts and even Big Issue magazine.
His latest attack forced hospitals including King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ to declare a serious incident.
Qilin operates openly while Russia refuses to extradite criminals and ended cooperation after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said Wednesday that her “absolute priority is patient safety.”
On social media site X, formerly Twitter, Ms Atkins wrote: “Yesterday I had meetings with the NHS England and the National Cyber Security Center to oversee the response to the cyber attack on pathology services in South East London.
“My absolute priority is patient safety and the safe resumption of services in the coming days.”
The Health Service Journal (HSJ) reported that a senior NHS manager said: “It’s everyone’s worst nightmare.
“Even if you could transport samples across London to other laboratories, how would you retrieve the results as they are not integrated in this way?
“Urgent testing will have to be managed on site.
“They will no doubt ask GPs to only send urgent tests, to manage volumes.”
Another source told HSJ that the attack posed a huge problem for urgent and emergency care in hospitals, as they would not have quick access to blood test results.
A spokesperson for NHS England, London region, said on Tuesday that Monday’s incident was “having a significant impact” on the provision of services at Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and in primary care services in South East London.
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