HSE cyber-attack began with a single click…!
DUBLIN: The investigation team estimates that the HSE cyber-attack in Ireland started when an employee clicked on a link.
A source with knowledge of the situation said that the infiltration took place while an HSE employee was seeking help to access a non – functioning computer. When the computer stopped working, he tried to seek help by clicking a link. It is estimated that by clicking on this link, the ransomware team was able to hack the entire IT system.
The hackers gained access to 700 gigabytes of data through that computer, including patients’ home addresses and other personal details. A ransom of around €15 million was reportedly demanded from the officer. According to an HSE source, the hackers communicated in English and provided a decryption key, stating that if the ransom was not paid, they will sell the data.
“The message was in very calm, non-threatening language. It was very transactional,” the source added. Data is thought to have been stolen a week before the attack was confirmed.
Several reports have surfaced in recent days claiming that the HSE cyber-hack was executed by a Russian gang known as Spider Wizard. Although it has not yet been confirmed that this Russian gang was behind the incident, it is believed that a group of criminals may have carried out the attack in multiple locations.
Meanwhile, the HSE has secured a High Court injunction to stop the illegal use of any data stolen during the attack.
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