Tunisian hackers linked to ISIS attack NHS websites

Leading analysts have warned Islamist computer hackers linked to ISIS are deliberately targeting confidential NHS data. 

The sites which have been attacked include ones dealing with childcare and NHS funding. 

Horrifying images from the war in Syria were reportedly posted on the NHS sites by a group based in North Africa. 

According to Kim Sengupta of the Independent, the ‘Tunisian Fallaga Team’ said it was carrying out the attack ‘in retaliation for the West’s aggression on the Middle East.’

While patient data could have been at risk, none is reported to have been compromised in the hacks. 

Khaled Fattal, the head of cyber-threat intelligence and security firm, MLi Group, said the attacks were not random and exposed the vulnerability of institutions. 

He told Kim Sengupta of the Independent: ‘They appear to be deliberately targeted at a British public institution and in particular at an institution dealing with something which affects every member of the public, their health.

‘So of course, this is very worrying.’ 

The group the Tunisia Fallaga Team targeted NHS groups in the south-west of England 

Recently, hackers had brought down the trust’s computer system at three North Lincolnshire hospitals, forcing the cancellation of all appointments for two days.

Even car park barriers were affected, and the hospitals had to resort to pen and paper.

The network had been taken over by a malicious virus which encrypted files: the hackers demanded a ransom to unlock them.