Report reveals hackers got into 'frail' IT system two months before HSE took action

The external report states the gang were able to move with “relative ease” through the system using “well-known and simple attack techniques”. File Picture: iStock

Cyberhackers first accessed the “frail” HSE computer system as early as March 18 but despite alerts flagged about suspicious activity no action was taken until the gang demanded a ransom on May 14.

Although thousands of patients were affected when operations and procedures were cancelled around the country, it is believed no deaths were directly attributed to the crisis.