A GROUP of Russian cyber criminals is behind a ransomware attack that brought operations to a halt at major hospitals . Qilin hacked a private contractor which runs pathology services for the NHS across much of London . The cyber-gang, behind dozens of similar attacks, is said to have seized control of the IT network crippling services such as diagnostic blood testing and blood transfusions.
It is likely to be demanding hundreds of thousands of pounds to restore service as well as threatening to publish confidential data online . Qilin was identified by former boss of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, who said: “It’s one of the more serious we’ve seen in this country. “They’re simply looking for money.
” Qilin has been linked to attacks on car companies, courts and even the Big Issue magazine. Its latest raid forced hospitals including King’s College and Guy’s and St Thomas’ to declare a major incident. Qilin operates openly as Russia refuses to extradite criminals and ended co-operation after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine .
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said on Wednesday that her "absolute priority is patient safety". On social media site X, formerly Twitter, Ms Atkins wrote: “Throughout yesterday I had meetings with NHS England and the National Cyber Security Centre to oversee the response to the cyber attack on pathology services in south-east London. “My absolute priority is patient safety and the safe resumption of services in th.
