Tech Teacher

Author/Source: Bitdefender See the full link here

Takeaway

This article is about the Irish Health Service Executive offering money to people whose information was affected by a 2021 cyberattack. It explains that the attack disrupted healthcare and led to personal data being stolen, and now victims can apply for a small amount of compensation.

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Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner

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Analogy/Comparison

Imagine a big school system had its computer files locked by a prankster who demanded money. Years later, the school offers a small payment to students and families who were affected because their records were messed up or delayed.

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Why It Matters

Cyberattacks can have long-lasting effects on important services and people’s private information. The 2021 ransomware attack significantly disrupted healthcare services in Ireland, meaning doctors and nurses couldn’t access patient records, and patients’ personal information was stolen. Even years later, people are still dealing with the consequences, and victims are being offered €750 as compensation.

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Related Terms

Ransomware, Data breach. Jargon Conversion: Ransomware is a type of harmful computer program that locks up a computer system or files until a payment is made. A data breach happens when private or sensitive information is stolen or viewed without permission.