People have been warned to be alert after cyber criminals posted stolen NHS data on the dark web. Overnight on Thursday, members of Qilin shared almost 400GB of private information stolen in a cyber attack on a NHS blood-testing firm. The gang has been trying to extort money from NHS provider Synnovis since they hacked the company on June 3.
It is understood the leaked data includes patient names, dates of birth, NHS numbers and descriptions of blood tests. The NHS has now issued a statement saying checks into the claims were being carried out. However it said, as yet, the National Crime Agency was still looking to verify the data.
It said: "On 3 June, Synnovis, a pathology laboratory which processes blood tests on behalf of a number of NHS organisations, primarily in South East London, was the victim of a cyber attack. NHS England has been made aware that a cyber criminal group published data last night which they are claiming belongs to Synnovis and was stolen as part of this attack. "The National Crime Agency and National Cyber Security Centre are working to verify the data included in the published files as quickly as possible.
We understand that people may be concerned by this and as more information becomes available through Synnovis’ full investigation, the NHS will continue to update patients and the public on this webpage . "A helpline has been set up and is available to answer questions. As we have further information about whether data has been leaked, and which .
