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NHS Trusts ignored patch that would’ve averted malware disaster
The ransomware attack that crippled crucial NHS systems across the UK and continues to cause disruption could have easily been contained, according to NHS Digital. The body, which oversees data and IT infrastructure across the NHS, said hospitals and other arms of the service had ample time to upgrade their systems. The 'WannaCry' malware variant used a Windows exploit Microsoft patched in mid-March this year. At the end of April, NHS Digital notified staff and "more than 10,000 security and IT professionals," pointing them to a patch that would "protect their systems." It seems this advisory fell on some deaf ears, which explains why only certain NHS Trusts were affected.
NHS hospitals in England hit by a widespread cyberattack (updated)
Various NHS Trusts are currently battling with what appears to be a large-scale cyberattack affecting IT systems across the country. According to reports, hospitals and GP surgeries are falling victim to a widespread ransomware attack, causing them to shut down their computer networks. The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust was one of the first to acknowledge the problem and switch off its systems, warning locals that they will have trouble getting through on the phone and asking them not to visit accident and emergency unless absolutely necessary. Update: The attack has continued to spread and is now affecting systems around the world. Update 2 (5/13): In response to infections like the ones that crippled parts of the NHS system, Microsoft is releasing a patch for unsupported systems including Windows XP, Windows 8 and Windows Server 2003.
