Latest news with #NCSC
Sky News
18 hours ago
- Health
- Sky News
NHS trusts' data 'stolen' in cyberattack
NHS trusts had information stolen in the latest cyberattack on the UK health service, experts have told Sky News, with concerns raised that patient data might be vulnerable in such incidents. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust have been named as those exposed via a recently discovered exploit. NHS England told Sky News it is monitoring the situation - with the UK's top cybersecurity defence team at the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC). Cody Barrow is the chief executive of EclecticIQ and previously worked at the Pentagon, US Cyber Command and the NSA. The firm analyses cyberattacks and uncovered the extent of this incident. He told Sky News such attacks raise the "potential for unauthorised access to highly sensitive patient records". Analysts at EclecticIQ have identified victims of the hack spanning agencies and businesses across Scandinavia, the UK, US, Germany, Ireland, South Korea and Japan. Sky News has been shown evidence of the trusts in the UK being accessed maliciously. Rather than a ransomware attack, data was taken clandestinely after hackers exploited holes in software. In this case, the vulnerability was in a piece of software called Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM) - a programme that helps businesses manage employee phones. The hole in Ivanti's software was first discovered on 15 May, and it has since been fixed - although there are warnings that systems previously exploited could still be vulnerable. The vulnerability in Ivanti's software allowed hackers to access, explore and run programmes on their target's systems. According to the experts at EclecticIQ, the kind of data accessed included staff phone numbers, IMEI numbers, and then technical data like authentication tokens. Such attacks can leave hackers able to access other data like patient records and further parts of the network via a process called remote code execution (RCE) - running programmes on compromised systems. The analysts said they have identified the hackers exploiting the Ivanti backdoor as having used an IP address based in China. Alongside this, the way the hackers operate is similar to how previous China-based actors behaved. Such attacks can occur when hackers use an automated scan of the internet to find examples of vulnerable software, rather than being targeted. Mr Barrow told Sky News: "This situation represents another urgent wake-up call for the NHS. With threat actors actively exploiting these vulnerabilities, we're not looking at a distant or theoretical risk. The targeting is happening now, and the consequences could be felt across the healthcare system. "The potential compromise scope goes well beyond data theft. We're looking at the potential for unauthorised access to highly sensitive patient records, the disruption of crucial appointment systems, and even interference with critical medical devices that are vital for daily patient care." "This strikes at the heart of patient safety and care delivery," Mr Barrow added. "The impact wouldn't be isolated, it could cause cascading effects cancelled surgeries, delays in urgent treatments, and medical devices failing when needed most. We've seen this before. "Past cyberattacks have shown the chaos that ensues, directly threatening patient outcomes, putting lives at risk and forcing frontline staff to work under extreme pressure. "Beyond immediate operational chaos, these vulnerabilities also profoundly erode public trust in the NHS's capacity to safeguard both their data and their health. "The immediate directive for NHS trusts to engage their cybersecurity teams underscores the severity. The response to this kind of cyber threat needs to be treated with the same urgency as a medical emergency." 👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 A spokesperson for NHS England told Sky News: "We are currently investigating this potential incident with cybersecurity partners, including the National Cyber Security Centre, and the trusts mentioned. "NHS England provides 24/7 cyber monitoring and incident response across the NHS, and we have a high severity alert system that enables trusts to prioritise the most critical vulnerabilities and remediate them as soon as possible." A spokesperson for Ivanti said they had released a fix for the vulnerability in their software. A NCSC spokesperson said: "We are working to fully understand UK impact following reports that critical vulnerabilities in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile are being actively exploited. "The NCSC strongly encourages organisations to follow vendor best practice to mitigate vulnerabilities and potential malicious activity. "Vulnerabilities are a common aspect of cyber security, and all organisations must consider how to most effectively manage potential security issues." "We remain committed to collaboration and transparency with our stakeholders and the broader security ecosystem," it added. "At the time of disclosure, we are aware of a very limited number of on-premise EPMM customers whose solution has been exploited."
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
NCSC panel issues notice over delay in paying aid to caste-atrocity victims in Tamil Nadu
MADURAI: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued notice to the director of Adi Dravidar Welfare Department T Anand for delaying compensation to the families of several victims of caste atrocities across the state. Sources said the compensation has been delayed allegedly because cases are pending before the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court. Speaking to TNIE, Dalit Liberation Movement (DLM) state secretary C Karuppiah said, 'There is a delay in releasing the second instalment of compensation to several families. Around 18 families filed a writ petition in the Madurai Bench of the Madras HC in 2017 but the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department delayed filing a reply. On February 7, 2024, an affidavit was filed by the director of the Adi Dravidar Welfare department stating the delay was due to cases pending in the court. The SC/ST Act clearly mentions that first instalment of compensation (20-25%) should be offered after FIR is filed. The second Instalment (25-30%) should be given after chargesheet/ postmortem, and the rest should be given after conviction.' NCSC director Dr S Ravivarman said, 'We don't know why the top official from the department filed such an affidavit. There could be several reasons. But such an affidavit cannot be taken lightly. So, a show cause notice was sent under Sec 4 of SC/ST Act against the director.'
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Caste census to boost social justice, not division: NCSC Chairperson
Nixing insinuations that caste enumeration would create chasms in society, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana said the data gathered would serve as a foundation for policy decisions and strengthen social justice. It will help uplift the marginalised backward communities, he told PTI in an interview. With the BJP-led NDA government deciding to include caste enumeration in the next census, Makwana welcomed the move, saying that unlike in 2011, "definite figures would be available" that would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. The UPA government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011, which was the first attempt since 1931 to collect caste data nationwide. However, the caste data from SECC-2011 was never fully released or utilised. Rejecting concerns that the caste census could lead to sectarian divisions, Makwana said, "This will not create any division based on caste. Rather, it will strengthen social justice." "It will uplift backward castes and strengthen all three aspects -- social, political, and economic -- of Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream for the Scheduled Caste community." The caste census will provide accurate numbers that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions and target beneficiaries of schemes such as the Mudra Yojana in a much better manner, the NCSC chairperson said. "It will ensure that those who have remained deprived, finally get their due." Makwana clarified the NCSC would not be directly involved in the enumeration process but would play a critical role in post-census policy framing. "We don't have a role in the data collection itself. But after the data is out, the commission will have a role in ensuring the Scheduled Castes get their due share based on proportion. In that sense, this is a major step toward social justice," he said. Lauding the central Cabinet's decision, the NCSC chairperson said the caste census aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to uplift the last person in society, both socially and economically. "This decision takes that vision forward. Those who have been left behind will now be empowered," he said, adding that accurate data would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. "With definite population data, communities will get what they deserve in proportion. Right now, benefits are being given based on estimates. Once we have numbers, proper policy interventions can be made," he said. Noting that the last caste census was held in 1931 and updated data has been lacking, Makwana said, "We've been working on the assumption that SCs form 7 per cent of the population. But without verified data, many deprived sections remain unaccounted for." "The new census will bring detailed data, not just for the SCs, but also for sub-castes within Muslim and Christian communities," he said. Makwana also criticised political parties that previously opposed the caste census, saying they didn't include caste data in the seven censuses conducted since 1951 because their intentions were not right". On the commission's broader activities, the chairperson said the NCSC has begun conducting state-level hearings, which weren't done earlier. "We held hearings in Punjab and Rajasthan. We are going among the people. Legal provisions alone won't solve caste-based issues; there has to be a sense of empathy and emotional connection in society as well," he said. Raising concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, Makwana said, "Students are not getting scholarships, many youths have fallen into drug addiction, dropout rates are high, and even government officials are not getting benefits of schemes.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Caste census not divisive, it will strengthen social justice: Scheduled Caste rights panel chief
Nixing insinuations that caste enumeration would create chasms in society, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairperson Kishor Makwana said the data gathered would serve as a foundation for policy decisions and strengthen social justice. It will help uplift the marginalised backward communities, he told PTI in an interview. With the BJP-led NDA Government deciding to include caste enumeration in the next census, Mr. Makwana welcomed the move, saying that unlike in 2011, 'definite figures would be available' that would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. The UPA Government conducted the Socio-Economic and Caste Census in 2011, which was the first attempt since 1931 to collect caste data nationwide. However, the caste data from SECC-2011 was never fully released or utilised. Rejecting concerns that the caste census could lead to sectarian divisions, Mr. Makwana said, 'This will not create any division based on caste. Rather, it will strengthen social justice.' 'It will uplift backward castes and strengthen all three aspects — social, political, and economic — of Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream for the Scheduled Caste community.' The caste census will provide accurate numbers that will serve as a foundation for policy decisions and target beneficiaries of schemes such as the Mudra Yojana in a much better manner, the NCSC chairperson said. 'It will ensure that those who have remained deprived, finally get their due.' Mr. Makwana clarified the NCSC would not be directly involved in the enumeration process but would play a critical role in post-census policy framing. 'We don't have a role in the data collection itself. But after the data is out, the commission will have a role in ensuring the Scheduled Castes get their due share based on proportion. In that sense, this is a major step toward social justice,' he said. Lauding the central Cabinet's decision, the NCSC chairperson said the caste census aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to uplift the last person in society, both socially and economically. 'This decision takes that vision forward. Those who have been left behind will now be empowered,' he said, adding that accurate data would ensure proportionate access to welfare schemes. 'With definite population data, communities will get what they deserve in proportion. Right now, benefits are being given based on estimates. Once we have numbers, proper policy interventions can be made,' he said. Noting that the last caste census was held in 1931 and updated data has been lacking, Mr. Makwana said, 'We've been working on the assumption that SCs form 7 per cent of the population. But without verified data, many deprived sections remain unaccounted for.' 'The new census will bring detailed data, not just for the SCs, but also for sub-castes within Muslim and Christian communities,' he said. Mr. Makwana also criticised political parties that previously opposed the caste census, saying they didn't include caste data in the seven censuses conducted since 1951 because their intentions were not right'. On the Commission's broader activities, the Chairperson said the NCSC has begun conducting State-level hearings, which weren't done earlier. 'We held hearings in Punjab and Rajasthan. We are going among the people. Legal provisions alone won't solve caste-based issues; there has to be a sense of empathy and emotional connection in society as well,' he said. Raising concerns about the condition of Dalits in Punjab, Mr. Makwana said, 'Students are not getting scholarships, many youths have fallen into drug addiction, dropout rates are high, and even government officials are not getting benefits of schemes.'
The Hindu
7 days ago
- The Hindu
Asphyxiation deaths: NCSC Director inspects septic tank of dyeing unit near Palladam
S. Ravivarman, Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), inspected the septic tank of a private dyeing unit at Karaipudur in Palladam limits where three persons had died of asphyxiation recently. The deceased, Saravanan, 30, Venugopal, 31, and Hari Krishnan, 26, all hailed from Ambedkar Colony. Chinnasamy, 36, the driver of the cleaner lorry who also entered the tank, has been hospitalised. The Palladam police booked the company owner Naveen, manager Dhanapal, 50, supervisor Aravind, 47, and the driver Chinnasamy under four sections including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The inspection by Mr. Ravivarman comes on the heels of the arrest of the company's manager and supervisor. After the inspection, Mr. Ravivarman met families of the deceased at Sundamedu, and called on Chinnasamy, who also belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.
