South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth used a question session in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday to ask for reassurances from the Scottish Government following the cyber attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

The local MSP asked Health Secretary Neil Gray what the Government’s response was to the reported cyber attack.

Speaking in parliament, Colin Smyth continued: “So far, the attacks do not appear to have caused any major disruption to patient services, which is welcome.

“However, it is deeply worrying that there is a risk that hackers were able to acquire a significant amount of information, which could include identifying data on patients and staff.

“We know from past attacks on the NHS that the motive can often be related to extortion attempts on organisations or individuals.

“What actions are being taken to protect staff and patients from extortion attempts?

“Will the cabinet secretary give a clear assurance that there will be clear, open and transparent communication with staff and patients about the possibility that they could be approached by someone claiming to be in possession of data relating to them, so that they know what to do in such circumstances?

“People are worried, and communication so far has been very limited.”

Colin Smyth continued: “Cyberattacks on the NHS are not new, obviously, but it is clear from this attack that they are becoming more common and more sophisticated.

“Of course, they are not unique to NHS Dumfries and Galloway. Following the attack, which has led to a breach of confidential data, and given that the security that is used by the health board will have been very similar to that which is used by the NHS across Scotland, will there now be a review of the cybersecurity protections that are used by the NHS?”

Speaking after the session, Colin Smyth said: “This will be a worrying time for anyone whose records are held by the NHS and it is vital the NHS Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Government keep patients informed as much as they can.”

A dedicated web-page has been established on the NHS Dumfries and Galloway website, available at this address: www.nhsdg.co.uk/cyberattack