Mississippi Hospital System Shuts Down Clinics Amid Ransomware Attack Chaos
University of Mississippi Medical Center Closes Clinics Due to Ransomware Attack
A ransomware attack has forced the University of Mississippi Medical Center to close its roughly three dozen clinics across the state, canceling elective procedures for a second day. The shutdown, which may continue for several days, has left patients like Richard Bell, who has lymphoma, without access to scheduled treatments.
Impact on Patients
Bell, who drove three hours from his home in Oxford to the medical center’s main campus in Jackson, was turned away due to the closure.
University officials are working to reschedule appointments for patients requiring time-sensitive treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Investigation and Response
The attack has also prompted the university to take down its network systems as a precaution, and officials are still assessing the extent of the infiltration. Vice Chancellor LouAnn Woodward noted that some staff members have experience working with pen and paper, but the current situation is a significant disruption. Investigators are trying to determine whether patient data was accessed during the attack, and the university is working with the FBI to resolve the situation.
The attackers have made contact with the university, but their demands have not been disclosed. The FBI is prioritizing the restoration of systems to ensure patient care can resume. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common against public institutions, causing significant disruptions and exposing sensitive data.
Continuity of Care
The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s hospitals and emergency rooms remain open, and patients are receiving proper care. However, the closure of clinics has highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare systems to cyber threats. As the investigation continues, officials are working to minimize the impact on patients and restore normal operations as soon as possible.
Broader Implications
The incident is a reminder of the growing threat of ransomware attacks against public institutions, which have previously shut down 911 dispatch functions and exposed sensitive student data. The FBI is working to support the university in resolving the situation and restoring its systems.
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