InfoSec / Cyber

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Children's mental health data leaked after a cyber attack

NHS Dumfries and Galloway has confirmed some children’s mental health data has been published by criminals following a cyber attack.    
The attack happened in March 2024, NHS Dumfries and Galloway have posted regular updates on their website:NHS Dumfries and Galloway Cyber Attack.

Initially they did not believe that patient personal data had been disclosed, however, the update a few days later confirmed that personal data had been disclosed, and patients were referred to data breach guidance on the NCSC website.

Dumfries and Galloway confirmed they were working with the NCSC to provide a robust response to the attack and actions were taken to address any further risk of incursion.

Initially the data of six patients was published, presumably to show that they had the data, followed by a publication of large volumes of data.

There is no information about which group launched the attack or if there is any impact on other NHS providers.

What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack 

Incidents or attacks where any security breaches may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should be reported to an external body. 

The SLT digital lead will be responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report this to: 

  • Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or the Action Fraud website 
  • the DfE sector cyber team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

You may also need to report to: 

You must act in accordance with: 

Police investigations may find out if any compromised data has been published or sold and identify the perpetrator. 

m.  Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.

Forward suspicious emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).

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