Manchester hospitals warned of 'phone calls and emails from hackers' as Russia-Ukraine war rages

NHS hospitals in Greater Manchester have been instructed to reinforce their cyber security as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.

Staff across the region have been warned of 'potential hackers' asking for sensitive information. Health service leaders have instructed hospitals to 'focus' on keeping their systems secure, and make sure backups are available.

Meanwhile, Greater Manchester's health leaders revealed today (March 14) that they have pledged medical supplies to 'help our friends in the Ukraine'.

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A note sent out to NHS trusts earlier this month, widely reported and confirmed by the national body - NHS England and NHS Improvement - ordered them to 'further strengthen cyber security resilience'.

"Following Russia's further violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the National Cyber Security Centre has called on organisations in the UK to bolster their online defences," it stated.

"Further guidance will be issued to NHS technical teams this week, and we ask that leaders support their teams to undertake priority activities to further strengthen cyber security resilience.

"NHS leaders should confirm with their local teams that systems are patched and protected, and that immutable backups are in place.

"The National Cyber Security Centre has issued guidance for organisations to take during periods when the cyber threat is heightened.

"Please ensure your organisation is following this guidance."

Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of NHS England, also told a summit earlier this month that cyber security was being brought to the 'forefront' in the wake of the