Maryland’s Atlantic General Hospital hit by Ransomware: Patient Care Impacted
Organization: Atlantic General Hospital (Maryland)
Exploit: Ransomware
Industry: Healthcare
Sources: https://www.scmagazine.com/analysis/breach/maryland-hospital-facing-outages-after-significant-ransomware-attack
Atlantic General Hospital in Maryland has been hit by a ransomware attack that resulted in network disruptions and outages. According to local news outlet WMDT47, the attack was considered significant, resulting in limited patient interruptions as clinicians have resorted to downtime procedures, such as manual record keeping. However, the hospital has reassured the public that all of its services remain in operation except for the pharmacy, outpatient services (including imaging and laboratories), and pulmonary function testing.
The hospital has not disclosed any further details about the attack, such as the type of ransomware used or the attackers' identity. The hospital has reported the attack to the FBI and is working with a cybersecurity firm to restore its systems. Atlantic General Hospital also confirmed that the walk-in outpatient lab is temporarily closed until further notice.
Ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly common in the healthcare industry, with cybercriminals targeting hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to gain access to sensitive patient data. These attacks can result in significant financial and reputational damage, as well as causing potential harm to patients.
In 2020, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an alert warning about an increase in ransomware attacks against the healthcare sector. The agency emphasized the importance of regularly backing up data, implementing strong security measures, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices to prevent such attacks.
Ransomware attacks can be costly, with hospitals often paying ransoms to regain access to their systems and data. However, experts advise against paying ransoms, as it can encourage further attacks and does not guarantee the return of the stolen data.
Atlantic General Hospital is not the first healthcare provider to suffer a ransomware attack. In recent years, several hospitals and healthcare systems have been targeted, including Universal Health Services and the Vermont Hospital. These attacks highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures and awareness in the healthcare industry.
In conclusion, Atlantic General Hospital in Maryland is currently experiencing network disruptions and outages due to a significant ransomware attack over the weekend. The hospital has assured the public that all of its services remain in operation, except for the pharmacy, outpatient services (including imaging and laboratories), and pulmonary function testing. The hospital has reported the attack to the FBI and is working with a cybersecurity firm to restore its systems. Ransomware attacks against healthcare providers are becoming increasingly common and highlight the need for improved cybersecurity measures and awareness in the industry.