NHS Software Provider Faces Mighty £6M Fine Over Ransomware Fiasco

The UK’s data protection watchdog plans to fine Advanced Computer Software Group £6.09 million for a 2022 ransomware attack. The NHS had to revert to pen-and-paper operations, and sensitive data of 82,946 people was stolen. Information Commissioner John Edwards emphasizes the importance of multi-factor authentication.

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Hot Take:

When your IT security is so bad that even a pencil is more reliable, you know you have a problem. Way to go, Advanced Computer Software Group! You managed to make pen-and-paper operations seem like cutting-edge technology in 2022!

Key Points:

  • The UK’s ICO plans to fine Advanced Computer Software Group £6.09 million for a 2022 ransomware attack.
  • Incident forced NHS’s non-emergency 111 line back to pen-and-paper operations for weeks.
  • Attackers used legitimate credentials and exploited lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • 82,946 people’s data, including sensitive medical records and home access details, were stolen.
  • ICO’s provisional findings highlight severe security failings and the need for organizations to prioritize information security.

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