Cyber-attack on Irish health service ‘catastrophic’

Ireland’s health service has been severely impacted by a ransomware attack, with outpatient services dramatically curtailed and delays and errors in patient care due to reliance on paper records. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has called the cyberattack “catastrophic” and “callous”. Ireland’s Communications Minister confirmed reports that patient data, including sensitive health records, have likely been shared online. A criminal investigation is underway and the government plans to set up a helpline for affected individuals.