Health board warns of further data release risk

NHS Dumfries and Galloway was subjected to a cyber attack last month

A health board has urged the public to remain "highly vigilant" after it suffered a cyber attack nearly four weeks ago.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway confirmed it had been targeted by hackers on 15 March.

The cyber criminals later threatened to release a huge cache of stolen data and published a small "proof pack" of confidential patient information.

Now the health board has warned that there is a risk more details could be made public after the "targeted and sustained" attack.

Health board chief executive Julie White said the public should remain "highly vigilant" following the attack

NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Julie White said people needed to remain on their guard nearly a month on from the incident.

"Everyone is advised to be alert for any attempts to access their data, or for approaches by anyone 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," she said.

"In all instances, people are advised to take down details about the approach and contact Police Scotland by phoning 101."

She said they were aware that the information held by the hackers could include "confidential, clinical patient information".

“We are also asking our staff to be aware of the range of data relating to individual staff members which is stored in different areas of our systems," she said.