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Scottish hospital computers hit by virus

The importance of internet users having proper anti-virus software has been highlighted by a virus infection that left computer systems in Scottish hospitals down, it has emerged.

Cancer patients had to have their appointments cancelled after the malware infection affected the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Care Centre and the Stobhill and Gartnavel General hospitals.

According to the Herald newspaper, laboratory computer systems at the latter were left hampered by the worm, which some experts have linked to the now infamous "mytob" virus.

"It's a problem not just in Scotland but has affected departments around the UK," a senior Gartnavel staff member told the Herald.

"They are calling it a worm and when they identify it it burrows deeper into the system and duplicates itself and it is getting through some very strong firewalls."

St Bartholomew's, the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel and the London Chest Hospital were also in the recent past affected after a similar virus compromised the online security of their systems.

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