BBC News
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A decryption tool that could enable Irish health authorities to restore data stolen in a cyber attack is being tested.
The Irish government has said it could get hospitals and the health care system back to normal sooner.
The government has said it has not paid a ransom.
A detailed technical process is being carried out on the decryption tool by the Republic of Ireland s National Cyber Security Centre and private contractors to ensure it works safely and would not cause further harm, broadcaster RTE is reporting.
The Irish government has described it as encouraging, although the safety check could take some time.
Coronavirus: No further Covid-related deaths in NI
Published
BBC News NI outlines the latest data on coronavirus and vaccinations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
No further coronavirus-linked deaths have been recorded on Friday, meaning the total number of deaths remains at 2,152.
Friday s figures also show that 84 more people have tested positive for coronavirus.
It means that a total of 121,995 people in Northern Ireland have had a confirmed diagnosis since the pandemic began.
A total of 34 people are being treated for the virus in hospital, two of whom are in intensive care units.
Last updated 21 May at 14:14 BST
Cyber attack: Tool to restore stolen Irish health data tested bbc.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bbc.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Cyber-attack on Irish health service catastrophic
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image captionIreland s Department of Health and the Health Service Executive have both been targeted by hackers
The head of the Republic of Ireland s health service has described the catastrophic impact of a stomach-churning hack of its IT systems.
Health Service Executive (HSE) chief executive Paul Reid criticised the ransomware attack as a callous act and an attack on health workers.
The number of appointments in some areas of the system has dropped by 80%.
Health workers are attempting to continue with paper records while work continues to recover IT systems.
The hack has caused substantial cancellations to outpatient services.