Trying to keep ahead of cyber criminals is a game of cat and mouse, said an IT leader helping Waikato DHB in the wake of a crippling ransomware attack.
This is probably the most significant attack that we’ve had in New Zealand on any organisation, said Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General data and digital Shayne Hunter.
It should be a warning for all organisations – not just district health boards to stay on top of cyber security protections, he said.
These cyber criminals are criminals. They’re very creative and they will find all sorts of ways to get through our defences and we know … that theyre increasing their activities.
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“It’s a game of cat and mouse to be honest.”
Hunter was in Waikato to help the DHB respond to a cyber attack on Tuesday, 18 May, which left the health board to operate without phones or computers.
This is probably the most significant attack that we’ve had in New Zealand on any organisation, said Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General data and digital Shayne Hunter.
Since then, the hackers have leaked personal details to several New Zealand media companies, which referred the details to police.
Waikato DHB is contacting patients who had a confirmed privacy breach, chief executive Kevin Snee said.
That should be done today.
The number of affected patients was small, Snee said, but he declined to give exact numbers at Fridays media update.
The health board was also working alongside legal privacy experts and the Privacy Commissioner to ensure it met obligations.
At the same time, its making progress on getting systems up and running, including a key area of concern, radiation therapy for cancer patients.
Its hoped radiation therapy will be back online at Waikato Hospital from mid next week. It was completely down after the attack.
Were hoping to have our radiotherapy services up and running by the middle of the week, Snee said on Friday.
The service wouldnt be at full capacity, so some patients would need to continue with out-of-town treatment, Snee said.
Over the weekend, the plan is to install some systems for staff to communicate with each other, create documents and the like.
I can’t underline enough how well staff are doing but also how reasonable and accepting patients have been, Waikato DHB chief executive Kevin Snee, centre, said on Friday. Hes pictured with, left, Ministry of Health Deputy Director-General data and digital Shayne Hunter, and, right, Waikato DHB executive director hospital and community services Chris Lowry.
Hackers are likely to release more personal information and anyone who sees it should report it to the Ministry of Health and police, Privacy Commissioner John Edwards says.
Waikato DHB has a dedicated line for anyone with privacy questions or concerns: 0800 561 234.