Prisons hit by NHS ransomware cyber virus leaving staff unable to access data on inmates in the UK

PRISONS were yesterday hit by the same cyber attack that caused havoc for the NHS.

A “handful” of jails in England and Wales were targeted and 1,200 computers affected.

They were struck by a strain of the global WannaCry ransomware virus which 47 NHS trusts suffered last month.

The attack left prison staff unable to access data on some inmates.

But officials insisted there was no impact on public safety or jail security.

By contrast, the attack on the NHS saw ambulances diverted from paralysed A&E departments.

Sources said the disruption to prisons was reduced because their ageing IT systems mean staff are more reliant on paper records.

Earlier this month the US National Security Agency said the WannaCry worm that hit 150 countries was linked to North Korea.

Reports in America said evidence “strongly suggested” the regime was behind the attack.

Last night a National Crime Agency spokeswoman said: “We are aware of a cyber incident affecting the Prison Service.

“The NCA assessed quickly this was not a new attack but a result of the previous WannaCry ransomware attack.

“There has been no operational impact to the Prison Service and the incident is under control.

“Our investigations into WannaCry continue.”