LONDON (AP) — Ireland’s health service says it has shut down its IT systems after being targeted in a ransomware attack by what it called “international criminals.” The Health Service Executive said Friday the move was a precaution and appointments for coronavirus vaccinations were not affected. Appointments and elective surgeries were canceled at several hospitals. Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said called the attack “very serious” and said the disruptions could last for days. Dublin’s Rotunda maternity hospital canceled most routine appointments due to the IT problems, calling the situation a “critical emergency.” Chief executive Paul Reid said the Irish health service was at “the very early stages of fully understanding the threats, the impact and trying to contain it.”
Irish health system targeted in ‘serious’ ransomware attack
