Cyberattack Forces Hospitals in 5 US States to Shut Down Emergency Rooms

Quincy Jon, Tech Times 04 August 2023, 11:08 am

Hospital computer systems in multiple states have been devastated by a hack, prompting emergency rooms to close and ambulances to be redirected. Experts are working nonstop to evaluate the damage and find a solution as healthcare professionals struggle with an unprecedented cybersecurity threat.

The cyberattack began on Thursday and was directed at institutions owned and run by Prospect Medical Holdings, a renowned healthcare organization with headquarters in California, per AP News. The corporation runs hospitals and clinics in Texas, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. Healthcare facilities in many states are trying to secure their networks and preserve patient data after this sophisticated attack.

Healthcare Services Disrupted

Prospect Medical Holdings swiftly shut down all systems in reaction to the frightening intrusion to stop further damage. On Friday, the firm announced that it had started a thorough investigation and hired outside cybersecurity experts to determine the origin and nature of the assault.

On Thursday, Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospitals in Connecticut closed their emergency departments due to the attack. Medical facilities nearby were selected as alternate locations to guarantee that patients got attention.

Primary care services were affected by the cyberattack, which led to their suspension on Friday at several hospitals under the control of Eastern Connecticut Health Network. Patients are being notified by the network that runs the impacted institutions.

Eastern Connecticut Health Network Chief Operating Officer Jillian Menzel tried to comfort the public by announcing that the firm's team of experts is already looking into "the impact of the attack on all of the organizations."

Numerous additional clinics in the vast network of Prospect Medical Holdings reported experiencing similar difficulties. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill, and Springfield Hospital in Springfield have suspended services.

Cyberattacks: A Serious Threat to US Healthcare Sector

The United States Department of Health and Human Services warns that cyberattacks are the biggest threat to American hospitals and need immediate action to prevent human deaths, Sierra Daily News reported. Experts warn that most hospitals must still be prepared to detect and address these hazards. Smaller hospitals may need more funds to invest in cybersecurity, particularly after the epidemic.

More funding and federal regulation will be needed to close the critical gaps. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration issued a mandate that medical equipment adheres to cybersecurity standards and by prospective congressional legislation imposing strict cybersecurity requirements on hospitals.

Additionally, healthcare staff need cybersecurity and readiness training to be prepared for scenarios in which digital tools are unavailable due to cyber attacks.

Hospital defenses are inadequate to stop these more frequent and sophisticated assaults, cautions Dameff, a recognized authority.

Although raising awareness about healthcare cybersecurity has been challenging, more healthcare officials are becoming aware of the severe problem. Hospitals often find themselves scrambling to react after an assault, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen defenses and put preventative measures in place to safeguard patients and vital healthcare systems.

Healthcare providers and cybersecurity specialists remain steadfast in repairing the issue and restoring smooth healthcare delivery for those impacted while investigating the cyberattacks continue.