According to a BBC report, Ireland’s health service has temporarily shut down its IT system after what it described as a “significant ransomware attack”.

Thy have taken the precaution of closing down its systems to further protect them, and to allow it to assess the situation.

Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital has cancelled most outpatients visits on Friday.

All gynaecology clinics are cancelled.

However, it said those with any urgent concerns should attend as normal.

The maternity department has also cancelled outpatient visits unless expectant mothers are at 36 weeks pregnant or later.

It sounds awful, doesn’t it?

Computer viruses that threaten to delete your files unless you pay a ransom are known as ransomware.

Like other computer viruses, it usually finds its way onto a device by exploiting a security hole in vulnerable software or by tricking somebody into installing it.

Please ensure you do all you can to prevent and mitigate attacks.