Medstar Health Computers were taken offline this week after hackers infected its computer systems. The virus reportedly restricted the network and left it completely unusable.
Hackers Took The Computers of Large Health Care Provider Offline
A virus infected the computer network of MedStart Health on Monday morning, compelling the Washington based heath care to shut down its email and extensive records of database and raised concerns about security issues of the hospitals throughout the country.
Also Read: Hackers have held California Hospital’s Network Hostage for $3.6 Million
After virus infected the computers of the health care, it made their systems offline this week. The virus reportedly restricted the network and left it completely unusable. 30,000 employees and 3000 incorporated physicians weren’t able to access online record systems, check mails, or explore the phone numbers. Moreover, patients also can’t book appointments, according to AP.
When AP contacted MedStar about this attack, they said they couldn’t confirm what type of malware was affecting its computers and said that they were offline since yesterday. For reference, MedStart runs 10 hospitals in Washington, DC, Maryland and it also didn’t clarify how its system got infected.
“Early this morning, MedStar Health’s IT system was affected by a virus that prevents certain users from logging-in to our system. MedStar acted quickly with a decision to take down all system interfaces to prevent the virus from spreading throughout the organization. We are working with our IT and Cyber-security partners to fully assess and address the situation. Currently, all of our clinical facilities remain open and functioning. We have no evidence that information has been compromised. The organization has moved to back-up systems paper transactions where necessary” said MedStar in Facebook Post.
This attack reflects one on a California Hospital. In that incident, hackers infected Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center’s network with ransom-ware and denied to decrypt the system unless paid them ransom of $3.6 Million. However, they accepted $17,000 to restore the systems.
“Currently, all of our clinical facilities remain open and functioning. We have no evidence that information has been compromised,” it added. “The organization has moved to back-up systems paper transactions where necessary.”
“A law enforcement official says FBI is assessing whether the virus is so-called ransomware. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because this person was not authorized to publicly discuss details about the ongoing criminal investigation” quotes Fox News.
