Taoiseach Says Its "Shocking" People's Lives Have Been Disrupted By Cyber Attack On The HSE

People’s private medical information will end up online.

The Taoiseach says it’s shocking that people’s lives have been disrupted so much by the HSE hackers.

He’s admitted there’s every possibility people’s private medical information will end up online but says they won’t be paying the ransom.

The Government says the best brains in the business are working on the hack, which is causing massive problems in the health sector.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet in the past few minutes, Micheál Martin says everything is being done to fix the problem.

Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients Association says it's worrying:

Businesses are being encouraged to take out insurance against cyber attacks.

However, Chief Security Officer at Stryve Secure, Paul Delahunty, says it can be difficult due to the nature of ransomware attacks:

People are being advised to check the HSE’s website as they’ve a list of what’s happening in each hospital.

The HSE’s Anne O’Connor says it’s a phenomenal challenge to restore things to the way they were.

STAFF UPDATE - this webpage will be updated several times a day with important updates for staff related to the IT cyber attack.

Please check back regularly and tell colleagues. https://t.co/5VL08z24eA pic.twitter.com/GD1BND7d2N

— HSE Dublin and Midlands (@HSEDubMidlands) May 18, 2021

The cyber attack is being discussed at Cabinet this morning.

Speaking on her way into the meeting, Justice Minister Heather Humphreys, said the Government won’t be blackmailed by hackers.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are going ahead as normal. If you're aged 50-69, you can register for your COVID-19 vaccine using this link: https://t.co/nTNxEJWWWr #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/Cx0LZrl850

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) May 18, 2021

The Transport Minister, speaking on Tuesday afternoon, said the best IT brains both nationally and internationally are working to resolve the HSE’s cyber-attack.

None of the systems are back running yet following last weeks hack and the HSE says it will be several weeks before they all are.

Eamon Ryan has defended the HSE’s security system saying health systems are always vulnerable as they are so large.

But the Minister admits people working from home could have contributed to the problem.

In the Dáil on Tuesday afternoon,the preparations for cyber attacks on state bodies have been criticised.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin says more needs to be done:

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the entire political system needs to stand with one voice on the issue:

Full maternity services will resume at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin tomorrow.

The cyber-attack had a severe impact on the hospital, due to its use of electronic patient records.

But the hospital says it's been able to restore full services earlier than expected.

People who have maternity or paediatric appointments for the rest of the week should attend as scheduled.

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