Ransomware attack forces University of Mississippi Medical Center to close clinics

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) closed all its clinic locations statewide on Thursday following a ransomware attack that disrupted IT systems and blocked access to electronic medical records. UMMC, a major healthcare provider in Mississippi operating seven hospitals and 35 clinics, initiated its Emergency Operations Plan. The medical center is working with federal authorities, including the FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to investigate the incident, Bleeping Computer reports.

The cyberattack impacted numerous IT systems, including the Epic electronic medical records, leading to the cancellation of outpatient surgeries, procedures, and imaging appointments. Despite the disruptions, hospital services and patient care continue using downtime procedures. UMMC has shut down its network systems as a precaution while assessing the attack's scope and conducting risk assessments before restoring operations.

Officials are communicating with the ransomware group, though no specific group has claimed responsibility. It is possible that patient data was exfiltrated and may be used as additional leverage for extortion.

Source: Bleeping Computer