On 3 June 2024, NHS pathology provider Synnovis fell victim to a ransomware cyberattack. Russian criminal group Qilin claims to have orchestrated the attack. This devastating breach compromised many of Synnovis’ IT systems, leading to the exposure of 400GB of sensitive personal data. The stolen data includes patient names, dates of birth, NHS numbers, and descriptions of blood tests. Results may also have been breached.

London Trusts, including Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital, were severely impacted, with over 3,000 consultations and operations cancelled.

The consequences of this breach are severe and multifaceted. In addition to the immediate disruption of medical services, lawyers believe that affected patients now face significant risks of fraud, scams, and identity theft.

As they navigate the aftermath of this unprecedented breach, patients must take proactive steps to protect themselves.

Steps to protect yourself after the NHS data breach

In the aftermath of a data breach, phishing scams often increase as cybercriminals attempt to exploit the situation. Be cautious of emails, text messages, or phone calls asking for your personal information or urging you to click on suspicious links. Always verify the sender’s authenticity before responding or providing any information. Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive information via email or text.

Because successful phishing scams can also lead to financial and ID fraud, victims of this breach should also do the following:

Monitor your accounts and personal information

Even though financial data is not thought to have been breached on this occasion, you should monitor your financial accounts and personal information if you think it may have been compromised due to a phishing scam. Regularly check your bank statements, credit card statements, and any other financial accounts for unauthorised transactions. Additionally, be on the lookout for any unusual activity or unfamiliar charges. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your financial institution immediately.

Check your credit report

You should also check your credit report for any signs of fraudulent activity. Reviewing your credit report can help you spot new accounts or credit inquiries you did not authorise. If you find any discrepancies, report them to the credit bureau immediately. If you suspect your personal information has been compromised, consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit report. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. A fraud alert notifies creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before granting credit.

Change your passwords

If you think your passwords may have been compromised in the wake of the data breach, it’s essential to update them. It is good practice to use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them securely. A strong password typically includes a mix of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring your password and a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access to your accounts.

Get compensation for the breach

If you have been affected by the latest NHS data breach, lawyers believe you are entitled to compensation for the distress and potential harm caused. Legal actions are underway against the NHS for failing to protect patients’ sensitive information. By joining the compensation claim, you can seek justice and financial redress.