A ransomware attack on California-based healthcare system Prospect Medical Holdings has caused widespread disruptions in multiple states. The attack affected 16 hospitals and over 165 clinics and outpatient centers, stretching from Connecticut to Pennsylvania to Rhode Island to Southern California. The extent of the data breach is still unknown, but healthcare facilities are scrambling to address the impact.
The attack, which is believed to be a ransomware incident, forced Prospect Medical Holdings to take its systems offline immediately after detection. As the company launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists, essential medical services faced disruptions, with some locations resorting to paper records. Elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, and other services were suspended, affecting patient care and operations across the affected sites.
Crozer Health, a network of three hospitals and a medical center in the Philadelphia suburbs, was among the facilities impacted by the attack. As a result, the emergency departments at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospital in Connecticut were closed for much of Thursday, with patients being diverted to other nearby medical centers. Eastern Connecticut Health Network ended ambulance diversion at 10 a.m. local time on Friday. The emergency rooms at ECHN’s two hospitals have been open throughout the incident.
Cyberattacks on healthcare institutions have become increasingly common in recent years, as hackers target sensitive data such as medical records and personal information. As healthcare organizations embrace cloud-based services for enhanced efficiency, safeguarding against cyber threats is more important than ever. Ensuring cybersecurity in the cloud is just as crucial as protecting traditional servers, and requires tailored failover systems and protocols. Striking a balance between innovation and security is essential for healthcare providers to leverage the cloud’s potential while safeguarding patient data and ensuring uninterrupted critical workloads.
This cyberattack is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of healthcare institutions to cyber threats. Proactive cybersecurity strategies are essential as the industry embraces technological advancements and cloud-based services. By taking steps to protect their systems and data, healthcare providers can help to safeguard the integrity of their operations and uphold patient trust in the face of evolving cyber threats.
