Ransomware Attacks Target Multiple NHS Hospitals, Exposing Sensitive Data

Cyberattacks on Alder Hey Children's Hospital and others in Merseyside raise concerns over patient data leaks as investigations continue.

Hackers accessed systems at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital on November 28, compromising sensitive patient and operational data.
The ransomware group Inc Ransom, linked to previous attacks on NHS Scotland, has claimed responsibility and alleges it has stolen data including patient records and donor information from 2018 to 2024.
Screenshots of the stolen data have reportedly been published online, and there are fears the full data could be leaked before the investigation concludes.
Hospital operations at Alder Hey remain unaffected, with patients advised to attend appointments as usual, but emergency services at nearby Wirral hospitals are still recovering from a separate cyberattack on November 25.
Authorities, including Merseyside Police and the National Cyber Security Centre, are collaborating to address the breaches, while the NHS continues to face ongoing cybersecurity challenges.