Mississippi medical center reopens clinics hit by ransomware attack
Source: Bleeping Computer
Ransomware Attack and Service Disruption
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) experienced a ransomware attack that blocked access to electronic medical records and disabled many IT systems. The attack forced the cancellation of outpatient procedures, ambulatory surgeries, and imaging appointments, although hospital services continued under downtime procedures.
Restoration of Operations
Nine days after the attack, UMMC announced that normal operations had resumed:
- Phone lines were back online.
- Patient records were accessible again.
- Clinics statewide reopened with extended hours and additional days to accommodate patients.
- All hospitals and emergency departments remained open.
“The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s clinics resumed normal operations today following a nine‑day ordeal caused by a cyberattack,” the center said in a Monday statement.
“While all mission areas were impacted by the criminal intrusion, the patient care mission was disproportionately affected. As the Division of Information Systems worked around the clock to bring the network back online, medical teams worked to ensure continuity of high‑quality care.”
“We can access patient records, so UMMC clinics statewide will resume normal operations and scheduled appointments on Monday,” the center noted.
Communication with Attackers
Hospital officials confirmed that they were in contact with the attackers and were working with authorities and specialists on next steps. No ransomware group claimed responsibility for the incident.
“The attackers have communicated to us and we are working with the authorities and specialists on next steps. We do not know how long this situation may last,” said LouAnn Woodward, dean of the School of Medicine at UMMC.
Investigation
The investigation is being conducted with assistance from the FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
UMMC at a Glance
- Over 10,000 employees.
- Operates seven hospitals, 35 clinics, and more than 200 telehealth sites statewide.
- Home to the state’s only organ and bone marrow transplant program, the only children’s hospital, the only Level I trauma center, and one of two Telehealth Centers of Excellence in the United States.
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