NHS cyber attack: Hospitals warn patients to stay away from A&E as ransomware cripples systems | The Independent

An unprecedented cyber attack on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), alleged to have utilised tools developed by US cyber-warfare agents, has resulted in the cancellation and delay of treatments. Hospital A&E units, GP surgeries and other services were shut down across England and Scotland. Non-emergency patients were advised to be cautious in their use of health services as NHS systems failed. The ransomware attack, which extorted payment from users for the release of their files, also reportedly affected around 100 countries worldwide. The government and NHS face potential criticism for not preventing the attack.