Malware Attack Closes Alabama Hospitals
Posted: October 2, 2019 to Compliance.
Not one but THREE hospitals in the DCH Health System in Alabama are unable to accept new patients today due to ransomware: DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Northport Medical Center in Northport, and Fayette Medical Center. Cybercriminals have demanded an undisclosed amount of money for the unlock code. “A criminal is limiting our ability to use our computer systems in exchange for an as-yet unknown payment,” the statement from the healthcare system reads. “Our hospitals have implemented our emergency procedures to ensure safe and efficient operations in the event technology dependent on computers is not available. That said, we feel it is in the best interest of patient safety that DCH Regional Medical Center, Northport Medical Center and Fayette Medical Center are closed to all but the most critical new patients. Our staff is caring for the patients who are currently in the hospital, and we have no plans to transfer current patients.” Anyone scheduled for outpatient services is advised to call. Emergency services are being redirected to other ER facilities if possible. The FBI in Birmingham is actively working on the situation. Details regarding the investigation and the particular malware strain involved have not been released. It is unclear whether this malware and the strain that locked up seven hospitals in Australia on Monday are related.
