NHS chief: Cyber attack now bigger threat than pandemic

Key facts

• NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey issued a warning about cyber threats.
• Mackey stated the risk of a catastrophic cyber attack has increased dramatically.
• He believes this threat now surpasses the risk of another pandemic.

Sir Jim Mackey, the chief executive of NHS England, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating threat of cyber attacks against the National Health Service. Speaking at a board meeting on Thursday, Mackey stated that the risk of a 'catastrophic' cyber attack has grown 'dramatically' in the past few weeks alone. He believes this threat now surpasses the risk posed by another pandemic.