Cole-Hamilton responds to hackers’ threat of publishing NHS stolen data

Responding to the news that a ransomware group is threatening to publish a huge cache of stolen data from NHS Dumfries and Galloway, which includes confidential information on patients, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“These reports are extremely troubling, and my thoughts are with the staff and patients at NHS Dumfries and Galloway who will be feeling shaken by the news.

“With so much of our lives now online, we need to be alert to the fresh opportunities that this creates for criminals.

“My party requested an urgent question on this matter in Parliament, but unfortunately this wasn’t granted. Ministers must explain what steps they are taking to prevent this attack from happening in other health boards, as well as ensuring that boards and public bodies can share advice, information and expertise.”