The cyber criminals later\u00a0released a “proof pack”<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0– which included confidential information on a small number of patients – and warned more would follow.<\/p>\n In an update on Monday, the health board confirmed a “large volume of data” had been published.<\/p>\n Julie White, chief executive of NHS Dumfries and Galloway, branded it an “utterly abhorrent criminal act”.<\/p>\n “We should not be surprised at this outcome, as this is in line with the way these criminal groups operate,” she said.<\/p>\n “Work is beginning to take place with partner agencies to assess the data which has been published.”<\/p>\n The health board is working with Police\u00a0Scotland<\/a><\/strong>, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Scottish government in response to the situation.<\/p>\n Ms White said NHS Dumfries and Galloway was “conscious” that the publication of the stolen data “may cause increased anxiety and concern for patients and staff”.<\/p>\n “Data accessed by the cyber criminals has now been published on to the dark web – which is not readily accessible to most people,” she added.<\/p>\n “Recognising that this is a live criminal matter, we continue to follow the very clear guidance being provided to us by national law enforcement agencies.”<\/p>\n The health board is urging the public to be alert for any attempts to access their work and personal data.<\/p>\n It also warned people to be vigilant about any potential approach by someone claiming to be in possession of either their personal data or NHS data – whether this approach comes by email, telephone, social media or some other means.<\/p>\n In all instances, people are advised to take down details about the approach and contact Police Scotland.<\/p>\n The Scottish government said it was aware of the latest development, adding: “It is important to note that the incident remains contained to NHS Dumfries and Galloway and there have been no further incidents across NHS Scotland as a whole.”<\/p>\n Police Scotland said its “inquiries are continuing into a cyber attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway”.<\/p>\n The health board has set up a dedicated webpage in response to the cyber attack, with a helpline available on 01387 216 777.<\/p>\n Source: \u00a0![\"Sky](\"http:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sky-news-logo-1.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/a> news.sky.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"