Lulzsec issues warning to NHS
By David Howells
20/06/2011
Internet 'hacktivists' Lulzsec have written a warning to the NHS over its low-level internet security.
The group, which recently found infamy by hacking into the Sony network and distributing passwords online, decided in this case to warn the NHS directly - as opposed to publishing the information it found online.
After finding passwords and admin information, Lulzsec wrote to the NHS, urging it to up its internet security to prevent other people invading their network who may not be so forgiving.
As a result, the NHS might now consider investing in more comprehensive systems management software to better protect itself.
In a message printed on pcpro.com, Lulzsec told the NHS: "We want to help.
"Some time ago we were traversing the internet for signs of enemy fleets [and] while you aren't considered the enemy - your work is of course brilliant - we did stumble upon several of your admin passwords. We mean you no harm and only want to help you fix your tech issues."
As soon as the information was made public, the NHS scrambled to downplay the severity of the situation A spokesperson told guardian.co.uk: "This is a local issue affecting a very small number of website administrators.
"No patient information has been compromised. No national information systems have been affected. The department has issued guidance to the local NHS about how to protect and secure all their information assets."
