Irish health system targeted in 'serious' ransomware attack
Source: AP
LONDON (AP) — Ireland’s health service shut down its IT systems on Friday after being targeted in a ransomware attack by what it called “international criminals.”
Appointments and elective surgeries were canceled at several hospitals and Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the disruption could last for days.
“There’s lots we don’t know but it appears to be a ransomware attack by international criminals,” Varadkar said. “The problem could run through the weekend and into next week, unfortunately.”
Ransomware attacks are typically carried out by criminal hackers who scramble data, paralyzing victims’ networks, and demand a large payment to decrypt it.
FILE - In this Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 file photo, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels. Ireland’s health service says it has shut down its IT systems after being targeted in a “significant ransomware attack.” The Health Service Executive said Friday that the move was a precaution, and appointments for coronavirus vaccinations were not affected. Procedures were canceled at hospitals and Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the disruption could last for days. (Ludovic Marin, Pool Photo via AP, File)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-technology-health-f9478d95ff0f085fa382819e981f4b56
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They might be freelancing, or they might be working for Putin, but they are Russian or trained and coached by Russians.
We have the technology to shut these guys down. Why don't we use it?
