India, June 27 -- We have heard of cyber attacks stealing user data for nefarious purposes, and criminals siphoning hard-earned money from people. But it is seldom that you hear of a ransomware cyber attack causing the direct death of a person.

Yes, this is exactly what reportedly happened last year on June 3, 2024, when a cyber attack on the British diagnostic services provider, Synnovis, led to the death of a patient in London, according to British health officials, Reuters reported.

The report adds that the main reason for the patient's death at King's College Hospital in South London was found to be a very "long wait" to get blood test results, alongside other factors. This wait was a direct result of the cyber attack. The hospital ...