New Zealand’s Northern Region simulates major cyberattack on its health system

New Zealand’s health system in the Northern Region has conducted a simulation of a major cyberattack, stating that it is a matter of “when, not if” such an attack occurs. The simulation, called “hot chilli,” involved the disruption of email and clinical systems, and revealed the importance of communication and practice in a crisis situation. Other organisations have since sought help from healthAlliance, the shared services agency that ran the simulation. The experience has also contributed to the development of a health sector cybersecurity event response plan.