The University Medical Center (UMC) in Lubbock, Texas, is currently grappling with a significant ransomware attack that has led to a major IT outage. This incident has forced the hospital to divert emergency and non-emergency patients to nearby facilities, raising serious concerns about patient safety and national security.
Key Takeaways
UMC is the only level 1 trauma center within a 400-mile radius.
Cybersecurity expert John Riggi emphasizes the attack as a national security threat.
Ransomware attacks are often linked to organized crime, particularly from Russia.
The FBI's ability to respond is limited when attacks originate overseas.
UMC is working with third-party experts to restore services.
Overview Of The Attack
On Thursday, UMC confirmed that it had fallen victim to a ransomware attack, which has severely impacted its IT systems. As a result, the hospital has been forced to divert incoming patients, creating a critical situation for those in need of urgent medical care. John Riggi, a cybersecurity expert and National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk at the American Hospital Association, has labeled this incident a national security issue, highlighting the potential risks to patient lives.
The Implications For Patient Care
The ramifications of the attack are particularly concerning given that UMC serves as the only level 1 trauma center within a 400-mile radius. Riggi stated, "When hospitals are attacked, lives are threatened." With ambulances being diverted to other facilities, the nearest alternative level 1 trauma center is reportedly hundreds of miles away, putting patients in jeopardy.
The Nature Of Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are typically orchestrated by organized crime groups, often based in Russia. Riggi noted that these groups are often given safe harbor by the Russian government, allowing them to target critical infrastructure in the United States and other Western nations. The FBI's authority is limited in these cases, making it challenging to combat such sophisticated cyber threats.
The Two Phases Of Ransomware Attacks
Riggi explained that ransomware attacks generally occur in two phases:
Infiltration: Attackers gain access to the network, often through a network of groups that specialize in identifying potential victims.
Execution: Once inside, the attackers encrypt the hospital's systems and may steal sensitive patient information to hold for ransom.
The Need For Federal Support
To effectively combat these increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, Riggi emphasized the need for federal intervention. He stated, "No individual hospital, as good as they are, can defend against these very sophisticated nation-state sponsored attacks." He called for a coordinated effort similar to counter-terrorism initiatives to tackle these cybercriminals.
Current Status Of UMC
As of now, UMC has engaged third-party experts to assist in addressing the situation. While some departments and providers are on downtime procedures, the hospital's urgent care clinics and physician clinics remain operational. However, UMC has not provided a timeline for the full restoration of services, and it may take up to 30 days to recover from such high-level ransomware attacks.
Patients are advised to check UMC's website for updates and to contact their care providers for specific questions regarding their treatment. The situation remains fluid, and the hospital is working diligently to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
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Sources
Cyber security expert calls ransomware attack on UMC a ‘national security issue’, KCBD.