Contact us today!
866-348-2602

Total Tech Care Blog

Total Tech Care has been serving Florida since 2001, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

What We Can Learn from the Ireland Health Service Ransomware Attack

What We Can Learn from the Ireland Health Service Ransomware Attack

In May of 2021, Ireland’s Health Service Executive, which handles healthcare and social services to the Emerald Isle’s nearly five million residents, was the target of a massive ransomware attack. Even as businesses and municipalities from all over the globe have been dealing with this plight, we mention this because of the aftereffects of this situation. Today, we take a look at the situation and what can be learned from it. 

The Irish HSE Ransomware Attack

On May 14, 2021, the HSE was targeted by a hacking collective known as the Conti Ransomware Gang. The health service then received the instructions that the perpetrators would immediately release the patients’ data to the public unless they paid the ransom of $20 million in bitcoin. After a few days of deliberation, the government agency agreed to pay the sum (a practice that those of us at Total Tech Care do not recommend). In turn, they got the decryption key. 

Sad to say, this is not where this situation ended.

Data Restoration is Problematic

With the working decryption key in hand, and a nation of people that depend on their service, the HSE went ahead and started the restoration process. Turns out, it is difficult. HSE is still having problems restoring data systems to their previous state and it has led to bottlenecks inside the nation’s healthcare system. 

The reason is that restoring data, especially on a scale such as this one, is an arduous task, and with new protocols and protections being implemented by HSE administrators to help avoid this type of problem in the future, it is taking much longer than expected. This means costs rise and people don’t get the care they need. As of this writing, it remains a real problem for the people of Ireland. 

What Your Business Can Take Away From the HSE Ransomware

No matter what your business is, getting hit with ransomware is a pretty scary situation. One thing that every company or organization can take away from this situation is the need for comprehensive training for phishing and other scams to minimize the chances of getting ransomware through typical means. You also should be monitoring your network to ensure that if something were to make it past your defenses that more can be done to thwart a major catastrophe like ransomware. You should also have a comprehensive backup in place to help protect the continuity of your business.

At Total Tech Care, we can help you identify your organization’s cybersecurity weaknesses and help you put in policies and technology that will help you keep ransomware off your network and be ready for any type of problem should it arise. Reach out to us at 866-348-2602 today to talk to one of our skilled consultants.

 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Already Registered? Login Here
Guest
Thursday, 24 April 2025
If you'd like to register, please fill in the username, password and name fields.

Blog Archive

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *

      Free Consultation

      Sign up today for a
      FREE Network Consultation

      How secure is your IT infrastructure?
      Let us evaluate it for free!

      Sign up Now!

      Free Consultation
       

      Tag Cloud

      Security Tip of the Week Technology Best Practices Business Computing Cloud Privacy Hackers Productivity Hosted Solutions Software Efficiency Network Security Google Business Microsoft Internet Email Malware Backup Workplace Tips Innovation User Tips Data Computer Mobile Devices Hardware IT Services Disaster Recovery Android VoIP communications Communication Business Continuity IT Support Smartphones Miscellaneous Smartphone Mobile Device Small Business Network Browser Collaboration Productivity Cybersecurity Quick Tips Users Business Management Phishing Windows Upgrade Managed IT Services Outsourced IT Ransomware Data Backup Windows 10 Cloud Computing Data Recovery Office Server Save Money Passwords Windows 10 Virtualization Social Media Saving Money Holiday Gadgets Tech Term Chrome Automation Managed Service Managed IT Services Microsoft Office Facebook Computers Cybercrime Operating System Artificial Intelligence BYOD Health Mobile Device Management Networking IT Support Internet of Things Hacking Wi-Fi Covid-19 Information Technology Information Remote Managed Service Provider Spam Alert Office 365 Telephone Systems Recovery Employer-Employee Relationship Router Bandwidth BDR Social Engineering Mobility App History Money Mobile Computing Encryption Applications Application Human Resources Law Enforcement Data Breach Remote Monitoring Big Data Password Apps Office Tips Training How To VPN Blockchain Data Storage Paperless Office Patch Management Government Remote Computing Mobile Office Private Cloud Managed IT Flexibility Wireless Marketing WiFi IT solutions Gmail Entertainment Website Google Drive Budget Settings Vulnerability Two-factor Authentication Windows 7 Avoiding Downtime Word Mouse HaaS Infrastructure Servers Voice over Internet Protocol Bring Your Own Device Data Management Data Security Work/Life Balance The Internet of Things Lithium-ion battery End of Support Employee/Employer Relationship Education Physical Security RMM Safety Sports USB HIPAA Redundancy Firewall Telephone System Staff Software as a Service Keyboard Conferencing Virtual Reality Machine Learning Scam Apple Connectivity Remote Work Social User Error Vendor Management Meetings Save Time Vendor Managed Services Risk Management Cleaning Data Protection Display Hacker Computer Accessories Samsung Processor DDoS Comparison Battery Value SharePoint CES Hard Drive Shadow IT Electronic Medical Records Spam Blocking Legal Printer Business Technology Bluetooth Content Management Internet Exlporer Hiring/Firing Access Control Computing Customer Service Environment Virtual Assistant PDF Authentication Fax Server Proactive IT IT Consultant SaaS Digital Signage Business Intelligence Best Practice YouTube Humor Update Audit Worker Black Market Network Congestion IT Management eWaste Procurement Google Docs Workplace Strategy Botnet Identity Theft Net Neutrality IT Plan Document Management Wireless Technology Help Desk Solid State Drive How to Downtime Printing Unsupported Software Augmented Reality Wearable Technology Hard Drives Charger Data storage Retail Fraud Managed Services Provider Instant Messaging Automobile Compliance Remote Worker Robot Excel Virus Database OneNote Computer Care Biometrics Current Events Computing Infrastructure Cryptocurrency Going Green Remote Workers Virtual Desktop Telephony Unified Threat Management Manufacturing Root Cause Analysis Reputation Email Best Practices Streaming Media Cache IT Assessment Amazon Web Services Managing Stress Criminal HBO Content Knowledge Music Tech Support Safe Mode Laptop GDPR Computer Tips Hosted Computing Managed IT Service Skype Security Cameras Science Techology Cameras Biometric Security Data loss Customers Virtual CIO Wireless Internet OneDrive Online Shopping File Sharing Peripheral Outlook Audiobook Leadership Troubleshooting Touchpad Camera Digital Security Cameras Distributed Denial of Service Inventory Using Data Customer Relationship Management Start Menu Specifications Evernote 5G Analyitcs Screen Mirroring Loyalty Wire Copiers Quick Tip Programming Frequently Asked Questions Travel Politics Advertising Books Printers Ergonomics Mobile Millennials Smartwatch Windows 10s Wireless Charging Printer Server OLED Cast Notifications Smart Office Development PCI DSS Antivirus Virtual Machine Tip of the week webinar Emergency Employer Employee Relationship Virtual Private Network 2FA Fiber Optics Professional Services Workforce Employee Windows 8 Public Cloud Cables Cabling Assessment Relocation Messaging IT service Policy Hypervisor Windows Server 2008 Video Games Project Management Dark mode Nanotechnology Trend Micro Tools Telecommuting Tablet Cortana Default App Worker Commute Television SMS Domains Procedure Digital Signature Saving Time Experience Scalability Warranty dark theme IaaS Shopping Maintenance Google Search Google Apps IT Infrastructure Bloatware Business Owner Public Computer HVAC AI Transportation NarrowBand FinTech Analysis Regulations Bing Tablets Computer Fan Search Rootkit Administrator Devices Consultant Social Network Analytics Investment Entrepreneur iPhone Enterprise Content Management Benefits MSP Employees Accountants Employee/Employer Relationships Workers ISP FENG Microchip Windows 365 Thought Leadership Best Available Shortcut Credit Cards Video Conferencing Password Manager ROI Cost Management IBM Files Password Management WIndows 7 Smart Technology Chromecast Sales Bitcoin Social Networking Flash Multi-Factor Security Shortcuts Cryptomining Search Engine Point of Sale Twitter Personal Supply Chain Management Business Mangement Software Tips Supercomputer Colocation Uninterrupted Power Supply NIST Monitoring Running Cable Smart Tech Batteries Sync Trending Emails Memory Monitor Windows 8.1 Addiction Digitize Amazon User Recycling PowerPoint Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Media Player Two Factor Authentication Wiring Customer relationships Practices Netflix

      Top Blog

      The reasoning for this is simple: you want to make sure that operations are proceeding as intended, even if you’re not there. If you completely check out from the workplace every time you leave, you could return from your vacation to a complete and total disaster that may have been prevented with y...
      QR-Code