Three Irish hospitals were hit during last Friday’s extensive global cyber attack.
The attack hit hundreds of thousands of computers across the globe, and one local expert fears it will lead to copycat cases.
The HSE has said three hospitals have reported infections from the WannaCry ransomware virus this morning.
However, HSE Chief Information Officer Richard Corbridge said the 20 machines were quickly isolated from networks before it spread, with the machines replaced and the systems put back online.
The ransomware, which it’s thought was stolen from US intelligence, exploits a flaw in Microsoft Windows, demanding a ransom.
Microsoft says the cyber-attack should be treated as a ‘wake-up call.’
Edel Mee of IT Security People in Clarecastle fears that newer systems could be targeted in the future.
In the UK – systems at the National Health Service appear to be getting back to normal following the cyber attack.
However patients are being warned to expect slow service at surgeries.
Here, businesses remain on alert, amid fears it could spread further.
Head of Ireland’s National Cyber Security Centre, Richard Brown says anti-virus software provides good protection but this is a problem that Irish people will need to keep an eye on.
