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HSE ransomware attack began on a single computer when an employee clicked on a link

Sources have confirmed an encryption key was provided by the attack launched by the criminal gang last week.

THE HSE RANSOMWARE attack started when a single computer stopped working, causing its user to reach out for help by clicking on a link, The Journal has learned.

A HSE worker, apparently struggling to access a non-functioning computer, sought help when prompted to do so in a file on their computer. 

“It appears that the person was trying to use their computer but received some sort of a message to use a messaging service to contact someone who could fix the problem,” a source with knowledge of the situation said. 

What followed was a lengthy exchange in which the hackers told the employee that they had accessed 700 gigabytes of data of patients’ home addresses and other personal details through their computer. 

The employee was told that a ransom of close to €15 million would be needed, the source said. 

“The hackers gave the person they were corresponding with examples of the type of file they had downloaded and then threatened that they would start selling patient data on at the start of the week if there was no ransom paid,” the source explained.

It is understood the communication was in English, and the hackers provided a decryption key, saying that they would sell the data if the ransom wasn’t paid.

 ”The message was in very calm, non-threatening language. It was very transactional,” the source added.

The downloading of huge amounts of data by the criminal organisation had already taken place before it was discovered late last week. 

Reports in recent days have claimed that a gang in Russia, known as Spider Wizard, are responsible for the hack. 

However, it is believed that rather than being a single group of criminals, it was instead carried out by dozens of people spread across multiple locations. 

Sources have told The Journal that the messages received did not identify the group as Spider Wizard. 

When contacted by The Journal tonight, a HSE spokesperson refused to comment as it “was an active investigation”.

An earlier statement released by the HSE confirmed that an encryption key has been made available. 

“The HSE is aware that an encryption key has been provided. However further investigations have to be conducted to assess if it will work safely, prior to attempting to use it on HSE systems,” it said. 

The HSE this evening secured a High Court injunction to stop the illegal use of any data that may have been stolen during the ransomware attack. 

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    Mute Mick McGuinness
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:40 PM

    Congratulations and all the best in school and future “Little Dancer”

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    Mute Derry Buckley
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:47 PM

    somthing bloody positive. great news to hear.

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    Mute Walter Smith
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:49 PM

    Best thing I have read all day.

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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:43 PM

    Good on that Girl. Well done young lady. Respect!

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    Mute Sinead Treacy
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:47 PM

    A wonderful day for the family and one I’m sure they daren’t wish to hope for in 2012. Wishing Lily Mae lots of fun in school, boy she deserves it

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    Mute Ros Aodha
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:45 PM

    congratulations!

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    Mute Mick McGuinness
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:40 PM

    Tiny Dancer

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    Mute Sean Carraher
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:03 PM

    Lily MaeI hope you had a great day in school.and I’m sure you will make loads of new friends and I wish you a very happy journey. I loved all my Teachers and I hope you see them as friends also as you go through these exciting years ahead.

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    Mute John Killeen
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    Sep 1st 2015, 8:57 PM

    Beautiful She’s a real fighter.

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    Mute Declan Byrne
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:07 PM

    So happy for this little girl and I hope she has the best childhood possible.

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:13 PM

    Well done Lilly Mae, have a great time in school and learn lots. It’s fun!

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    Mute TommyHaze
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:15 PM

    The children of the nation are our real inspiration.

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    Mute caimin
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:42 PM

    I wouldn’t bet against that girl in any walk of like. What a champ.

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    Mute catherine
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:58 PM

    Beautiful strong little girl! Congratulations to the whole family on a wonderful day!

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    Mute KerryBlueMike
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    Sep 1st 2015, 11:12 PM

    Lol! The red thumber must have gone out to put the kettle on

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:47 PM

    Whoohoo Lily Mae. Enjoy school and mostly have fun. x

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    Mute Fran Cowzer
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    Sep 1st 2015, 9:48 PM

    absolutely fabulous news really uplifting without bringing the mood down what’s with the red thumbs for good wishes disturbing to say the least

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    Mute Daisy Chainsaw
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    Sep 2nd 2015, 12:19 AM

    Great news. Have fun, Lily Mae… have lots and lots of fun for the rest of what I hope will be a long, lovely life.

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    Mute Mum
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    Sep 1st 2015, 11:53 PM

    Congrats Lily May – U are a little fighter best of luck at school U will have a fab time.

    What is story with red thumbs?????

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    Mute TommyHaze
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    Sep 2nd 2015, 12:04 AM

    Pervs.

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    Mute Paul Greham
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    Sep 2nd 2015, 7:10 PM

    Those red thumbs are being posted by sad horrible sc¥m.

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