Dutch tropical doctor died from lassa fever, second doctor infected
The Dutch tropical doctor who had been infected with the lassa virus in Sierra Leone died last night. Minister Bruins for Medical Care reported this in a letter.
The minister also announced that a second doctor was infected with the disease. That is also a Dutchman who contracted the virus while working in the West African country. After arrival at Schiphol, this doctor was immediately transported by ambulance to the Emergency Hospital in the UMC in Utrecht. That hospital has special facilities and was previously used for patients with Ebola in 2014.
In isolation
The two doctors were probably infected during a medical treatment in Sierra Leone, the minister says. He writes that there has been intensive contact with those involved in the country in recent days. "There are a few other Dutch caregivers working at the hospital in Sierra Leone. The Dutch caregivers who have had contact with the two patients with lassa fever are now being repatriated." Other doctors take over the care in the hospital, Bruins writes.
It was announced on Wednesday that the doctor who has now died was repatriated to the Netherlands. He has since been in isolation at the Leiden University Medical Center.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2311788-nederlandse-tropenarts-overleden-aan-lassakoorts-tweede-arts-besmet.html
Dutch companies fall victim to advanced hostage software
Various Dutch companies have been hit by advanced hostage software. This appears from a confidential report from the National Cyber Security Center, which is in the hands of the NOS. Which companies are involved is unknown, as is the number of affected Dutch companies. Worldwide there are at least 1800 affected companies and the number of Dutch companies is a relatively small part, writes the NCSC. But the consequences can be huge. The actual number of affected companies is probably much larger than the figures indicate, the NCSC also writes.
Critical infrastructure
The attackers focus on large companies, for example in the automotive industry, construction and chemistry, but also on hospitals, chain stores and entertainment companies. It usually concerns companies with millions or billions of sales. Dutch branches of multinationals have also been hit, including those of an American chemical company. Moreover, that company is an important supplier of critical infrastructure in the Netherlands. This includes, among other things, drinking water, internet access and energy. "We conducted this investigation following disruptive ransomware attacks abroad," a spokesperson for the NCSC confirms. The attack campaign probably started in July last year.
The NCSC suspects that the attackers had access to so-called zero day vulnerabilities. These are powerful digital weapons, for which there is not yet a good solution and which are therefore very effective. "That indicates that it is a professional criminal organization," says cyber security expert Frank Groenewegen of Fox-IT. "In terms of level, they are comparable to drug criminals who have their own rocket launchers. By the way, they don't need those digital rocket launchers in many cases, because the security of many companies is so poor." The NCSC considers it 'not unlikely' that the government and the critical infrastructure will eventually suffer from the conscious ransomware attack. In other countries, these sectors have already been targeted, but the government and critical infrastructure could also suffer from ransomware at suppliers.
Ingenious
The attackers work ingeniously and sometimes have been in the network for months until they are noticed. In some cases, companies failed to track down the attackers, even after they knew they had been hacked. In an unknown number of cases, the NCSC was able to inform an affected organization in time; he could then intervene before the ransomware was activated. In other cases, it was too late and victims were forced to pay. This sometimes involved millions of euros. Such amounts have also been paid in the Netherlands. If companies do not pay, the financial damage can be incurred. Companies stand still and cannot produce anything while the bills keep coming in. There is a fear that the attackers will focus on more than just the spread of ransomware . At some affected companies a lot of data was channeled away; this could involve corporate espionage or other forms of espionage. It is also possible to break in to subsequently commit sabotage.
Entry resold
Exactly who is behind the attacks is unknown. The authors of the confidential report suspect that Russian criminal groups are behind the attacks, but also note that insight into those groups is limited. The NCSC suspects that it concerns several criminal groups. One group then breaks into a company or organization and penetrates the network. This 'access' is then resold ready-made to others, who can then distribute ransomware or commit espionage.
"You see that more often, because cracking a network and subsequently distributing ransomware are really two different sports," says McAfee security researcher John Fokker.
Whoever they are, the researchers suspect that the attackers will not stop for the time being. It seems that the attacks are very profitable for the criminals.
According to the NCSC, companies must therefore be more alert. "Companies still do not take all basic measures," a spokesperson said via email. "Run updates, make sure your staff are aware of the digital threats and make backups."
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2312363-nederlandse-bedrijven-slachtoffer-van-geavanceerde-gijzelsoftware.html
Computer system failure affects courts throughout the country
Courts throughout the country suffer from a disruption in telephone and internet traffic on Monday. Due to the disruption, judges were forced to hold sessions, such as judge Klaas Bunk in Leeuwarden. "Very annoying," he said, "but I cannot judge the case properly on an empty computer screen." Bunk had to send a suspect from Leeuwarden home with the announcement that a new session is planned as soon as possible. The problem arose at the end of the morning. Multiple digital services are also not available, according to rechtspraak.nl. This concerns matters such as forms and registers. Due to the malfunction, the courts and other parts of the administration of justice are not reachable by telephone, according to the website.
Source: LC.nl
Value transport driver loses block of gold of 200,000 euros
A value transport driver in Utrecht lost a precious package last week containing a block of gold mixed with copper, zinc and nickel. Presumably the driver had not properly closed the side door of his van. The owner tells De Telegraaf that the block is worth 200,000 to 235,000 euros, but that the finder cannot just sell it to a jeweler because the gold is fused with other metals. Wholesalers have also been informed of the loss.
Payer's wage
This morning there was an advertisement in De Telegraaf in which a reward of 25,000 euros was promised for the finder who brought the block of gold to the Utrecht police. The police cannot say whether a report has been made of loss. If that has not yet happened and a finder reports, the police will place a call to find the owner of the precious precious metal who did not want to be named in the newspaper.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2311566-chauffeur-waardetransport-verliest-blok-goud-van-200-000-euro.html
Healthcare facility Rolde must be closed immediately
A care institution in Rolde (Drenthe) must immediately close because the care there is below par, writes the Dagblad van het Noorden . The 24 residents will be transferred tomorrow to other institutions. The institution, located on the 't Ruige Veld site just outside the village, has been managed by the Altijd Zorg foundation since this year. It offers assisted and protected living, community service, daytime activities and support for former prisoners. According to Mayor Hiemstra of the municipality of Aa and Hunze, which includes Rolde, there are serious concerns about the quality of the care provided. The safety of the residents is also at stake, it appeared during a check today. This was held after local residents had complained about nuisance.
"Untenable"
There was not enough staff for the 24 residents and the staff were insufficiently trained. Minor children were also present. "This made the situation untenable," says Hiemstra in the Dagblad van het Noorden. Clients can still sleep on 't Ruige Veld tonight, under the supervision of other care providers from the region. The Always Care Foundation had to leave the site. The residents will be relocated tomorrow. According to the mayor, "suitable housing" is being sought.
't Ruige Veld is a complex with several buildings, in which there used to be an institution for child and adolescent psychiatry. A part was used by Altijd Zorg until today, other parts are inhabited 'anti-squat'. There has also been a check on those residents, but they are allowed to stay.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2309493-zorginstelling-rolde-moet-per-direct-dicht.html
Construction companies ignore safety rules: many dangerous construction sites
Hundreds of construction companies violate safety rules every year, forcing construction workers to work under dangerous conditions. Between 2018 and November 2019, the Social Affairs and Employment Inspectorate found 1,076 serious violations at 849 employers, BNR reports on Thursday. Construction workers are at risk due to various causes, such as scaffolding that has not been erected correctly, incorrect use of tools, lack of protective clothing or exposure to harmful substances. In 830 of the cases, work was stopped due to the seriousness of the violations; there was then "acute danger" for employees. "You can think of machines that are not properly shielded so that someone can see in their hand," said Renske Hotting, program manager Construction & Infrastructure during the inspection. According to the inspectorate, things are going structurally wrong in the sector, both large and small companies and self-employed people without employees. It would be an explanation for the many labor victims who fall into construction every year.
A spokesperson for the trade association Bouwend Nederland thinks that the increased construction production and the pressure from clients contribute to the high number of violations. The trade association states that companies should nevertheless put safety first, and is considering abolishing members who show no improvement after repeated warnings.
Source: https://www.nu.nl/economie/6012445/bouwbedrijven-negeren-veiligheidsregels-veel-gevaarlijke-bouwplaatsen.html
The Dutch tropical doctor who had been infected with the lassa virus in Sierra Leone died last night. Minister Bruins for Medical Care reported this in a letter.
The minister also announced that a second doctor was infected with the disease. That is also a Dutchman who contracted the virus while working in the West African country. After arrival at Schiphol, this doctor was immediately transported by ambulance to the Emergency Hospital in the UMC in Utrecht. That hospital has special facilities and was previously used for patients with Ebola in 2014.
In isolation
The two doctors were probably infected during a medical treatment in Sierra Leone, the minister says. He writes that there has been intensive contact with those involved in the country in recent days. "There are a few other Dutch caregivers working at the hospital in Sierra Leone. The Dutch caregivers who have had contact with the two patients with lassa fever are now being repatriated." Other doctors take over the care in the hospital, Bruins writes.
It was announced on Wednesday that the doctor who has now died was repatriated to the Netherlands. He has since been in isolation at the Leiden University Medical Center.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2311788-nederlandse-tropenarts-overleden-aan-lassakoorts-tweede-arts-besmet.html
Dutch companies fall victim to advanced hostage software
Various Dutch companies have been hit by advanced hostage software. This appears from a confidential report from the National Cyber Security Center, which is in the hands of the NOS. Which companies are involved is unknown, as is the number of affected Dutch companies. Worldwide there are at least 1800 affected companies and the number of Dutch companies is a relatively small part, writes the NCSC. But the consequences can be huge. The actual number of affected companies is probably much larger than the figures indicate, the NCSC also writes.
Critical infrastructure
The attackers focus on large companies, for example in the automotive industry, construction and chemistry, but also on hospitals, chain stores and entertainment companies. It usually concerns companies with millions or billions of sales. Dutch branches of multinationals have also been hit, including those of an American chemical company. Moreover, that company is an important supplier of critical infrastructure in the Netherlands. This includes, among other things, drinking water, internet access and energy. "We conducted this investigation following disruptive ransomware attacks abroad," a spokesperson for the NCSC confirms. The attack campaign probably started in July last year.
The NCSC suspects that the attackers had access to so-called zero day vulnerabilities. These are powerful digital weapons, for which there is not yet a good solution and which are therefore very effective. "That indicates that it is a professional criminal organization," says cyber security expert Frank Groenewegen of Fox-IT. "In terms of level, they are comparable to drug criminals who have their own rocket launchers. By the way, they don't need those digital rocket launchers in many cases, because the security of many companies is so poor." The NCSC considers it 'not unlikely' that the government and the critical infrastructure will eventually suffer from the conscious ransomware attack. In other countries, these sectors have already been targeted, but the government and critical infrastructure could also suffer from ransomware at suppliers.
Ingenious
The attackers work ingeniously and sometimes have been in the network for months until they are noticed. In some cases, companies failed to track down the attackers, even after they knew they had been hacked. In an unknown number of cases, the NCSC was able to inform an affected organization in time; he could then intervene before the ransomware was activated. In other cases, it was too late and victims were forced to pay. This sometimes involved millions of euros. Such amounts have also been paid in the Netherlands. If companies do not pay, the financial damage can be incurred. Companies stand still and cannot produce anything while the bills keep coming in. There is a fear that the attackers will focus on more than just the spread of ransomware . At some affected companies a lot of data was channeled away; this could involve corporate espionage or other forms of espionage. It is also possible to break in to subsequently commit sabotage.
Entry resold
Exactly who is behind the attacks is unknown. The authors of the confidential report suspect that Russian criminal groups are behind the attacks, but also note that insight into those groups is limited. The NCSC suspects that it concerns several criminal groups. One group then breaks into a company or organization and penetrates the network. This 'access' is then resold ready-made to others, who can then distribute ransomware or commit espionage.
"You see that more often, because cracking a network and subsequently distributing ransomware are really two different sports," says McAfee security researcher John Fokker.
Whoever they are, the researchers suspect that the attackers will not stop for the time being. It seems that the attacks are very profitable for the criminals.
According to the NCSC, companies must therefore be more alert. "Companies still do not take all basic measures," a spokesperson said via email. "Run updates, make sure your staff are aware of the digital threats and make backups."
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2312363-nederlandse-bedrijven-slachtoffer-van-geavanceerde-gijzelsoftware.html
Computer system failure affects courts throughout the country
Courts throughout the country suffer from a disruption in telephone and internet traffic on Monday. Due to the disruption, judges were forced to hold sessions, such as judge Klaas Bunk in Leeuwarden. "Very annoying," he said, "but I cannot judge the case properly on an empty computer screen." Bunk had to send a suspect from Leeuwarden home with the announcement that a new session is planned as soon as possible. The problem arose at the end of the morning. Multiple digital services are also not available, according to rechtspraak.nl. This concerns matters such as forms and registers. Due to the malfunction, the courts and other parts of the administration of justice are not reachable by telephone, according to the website.
Source: LC.nl
Value transport driver loses block of gold of 200,000 euros
A value transport driver in Utrecht lost a precious package last week containing a block of gold mixed with copper, zinc and nickel. Presumably the driver had not properly closed the side door of his van. The owner tells De Telegraaf that the block is worth 200,000 to 235,000 euros, but that the finder cannot just sell it to a jeweler because the gold is fused with other metals. Wholesalers have also been informed of the loss.
Payer's wage
This morning there was an advertisement in De Telegraaf in which a reward of 25,000 euros was promised for the finder who brought the block of gold to the Utrecht police. The police cannot say whether a report has been made of loss. If that has not yet happened and a finder reports, the police will place a call to find the owner of the precious precious metal who did not want to be named in the newspaper.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2311566-chauffeur-waardetransport-verliest-blok-goud-van-200-000-euro.html
Healthcare facility Rolde must be closed immediately
A care institution in Rolde (Drenthe) must immediately close because the care there is below par, writes the Dagblad van het Noorden . The 24 residents will be transferred tomorrow to other institutions. The institution, located on the 't Ruige Veld site just outside the village, has been managed by the Altijd Zorg foundation since this year. It offers assisted and protected living, community service, daytime activities and support for former prisoners. According to Mayor Hiemstra of the municipality of Aa and Hunze, which includes Rolde, there are serious concerns about the quality of the care provided. The safety of the residents is also at stake, it appeared during a check today. This was held after local residents had complained about nuisance.
"Untenable"
There was not enough staff for the 24 residents and the staff were insufficiently trained. Minor children were also present. "This made the situation untenable," says Hiemstra in the Dagblad van het Noorden. Clients can still sleep on 't Ruige Veld tonight, under the supervision of other care providers from the region. The Always Care Foundation had to leave the site. The residents will be relocated tomorrow. According to the mayor, "suitable housing" is being sought.
't Ruige Veld is a complex with several buildings, in which there used to be an institution for child and adolescent psychiatry. A part was used by Altijd Zorg until today, other parts are inhabited 'anti-squat'. There has also been a check on those residents, but they are allowed to stay.
Source: https://nos.nl/artikel/2309493-zorginstelling-rolde-moet-per-direct-dicht.html
Construction companies ignore safety rules: many dangerous construction sites
Hundreds of construction companies violate safety rules every year, forcing construction workers to work under dangerous conditions. Between 2018 and November 2019, the Social Affairs and Employment Inspectorate found 1,076 serious violations at 849 employers, BNR reports on Thursday. Construction workers are at risk due to various causes, such as scaffolding that has not been erected correctly, incorrect use of tools, lack of protective clothing or exposure to harmful substances. In 830 of the cases, work was stopped due to the seriousness of the violations; there was then "acute danger" for employees. "You can think of machines that are not properly shielded so that someone can see in their hand," said Renske Hotting, program manager Construction & Infrastructure during the inspection. According to the inspectorate, things are going structurally wrong in the sector, both large and small companies and self-employed people without employees. It would be an explanation for the many labor victims who fall into construction every year.
A spokesperson for the trade association Bouwend Nederland thinks that the increased construction production and the pressure from clients contribute to the high number of violations. The trade association states that companies should nevertheless put safety first, and is considering abolishing members who show no improvement after repeated warnings.
Source: https://www.nu.nl/economie/6012445/bouwbedrijven-negeren-veiligheidsregels-veel-gevaarlijke-bouwplaatsen.html