Work

Cyberattack on the National Health Laboratory Service of South Africa – implications, response and recommendations

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Cybersecurity is now an integral consideration in the management of healthcare institutions in this modern technological era. Cyberattacks primarily targeting healthcare institutions have increased exponentially. Recently, the information technology systems of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) of South Africa (SA) were targeted by cyberterrorists using disruptive ransomware. As a result, all files on the affected computers and servers became inaccessible, thus affecting all NHLS operations. We share our experience of this cyberattack from the department of haematological pathology at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, SA. We outline the negative impact on the NHLS and the immediate response, and make future recommendations, including a draft of a business continuity plan.

Source: South African Medical Journal

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2024.v114i12.2549

Authors: S Cassim, Z C Chapanduka

Institutions: National Health Laboratory Service, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Information and Cyber Security

Subfield: Information Systems

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $311