Hackers have unleashed chaos on Friday affecting Britain’s healthcare system. According to the New York Times, a hacking tool created by the national security agency that was leaked is now targeting and affecting systems in a dozen countries.
The hacking tool, which is a type of ransomware that encrypts data so users cannot access it, was spread through an email on Friday affecting computers in the UK, Japan, Turkey, Russia, Philippines, and Vietnam. Britain’s healthcare system was severely impacted. One doctor told the BBC that private patient information is not readily available. “We have no idea what drugs people are on or the allergies they have,” the physician explained. “We can’t access the appointments system.” Also, surgeries scheduled for Friday were disrupted, and many ambulances were divergent. Not only did the ransom where and former NSA hacking tool affect hospitals, but many telecommunication companies were also hit as well.
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One doctor told the BBC that private patient information is not readily available. “We have no idea what drugs people are on or the allergies they have,” the physician explained. “We can’t access the appointments system.” Also, surgeries scheduled for Friday were disrupted, and many ambulances were divergent. Not only did the ransom where and former NSA hacking tool affect hospitals, but many telecommunication companies were also hit as well.
Also, surgeries scheduled for Friday were disrupted, and many ambulances were divergent. Not only did the ransom where and former NSA hacking tool affect hospitals, but many telecommunication companies were also hit as well.
Cyber security experts argue that the NSA first discovered the vulnerability that has caused chaos nearly around the world. Shadow Brokers, a group that has been leaking NSA hacking tools since 2016, also leaked this ransomware. While Microsoft released a fix for the vulnerability two months ago, many of Friday’s targets have not updated their systems as of yet. Cyber attack hackers released a message warning that the ransom will double after three days and then will ultimately be taken off the table after a week. At this point, it is not clear who is behind the cyber attack.
The rise of Ransomware
Ransomware has been on the rise as of late. In fact, last March it was reported that hackers are now targeting and blackmailing liberal groups. Also, last January there were reports that Washington DC police closed-circuit TV cameras were hacked with the ransomware days before the Presidential inauguration.