Ransomware attack hits New York Blood Center.
It is unfortunately not surprising that cybercriminals target anyone and any organization for profit, regardless of the impact on human life. Recent hack attacks compromising medical records, targeting individuals, and disrupting industries like airlines demonstrate this. However, the latest low blow involves ransomware attackers hitting a major New York blood center that supplies blood to over 200 U.S. hospitals, causing disruptions in donations. Here’s what you need to know.
The New York Blood Center Ransomware Attack
Since 1964, the New York Blood Center has been providing blood and related products to hospitals and patients, aiming to support patients and global public health. Despite its noble mission, cybercriminals targeted the center’s IT systems on Jan. 26 with ransomware attacks, resulting in system downtime. The center is working with experts to restore systems safely and promptly.
While blood donations are still accepted, processing times have been affected, leading to the cancellation of blood donor appointments. The center may need to reschedule donation appointments and blood drives due to the attack’s impact on operations.
Security Experts Respond To The New York Blood Center Ransomware Attack
Dr. Darren Williams, CEO at BlackFog, described the attack as a severe blow to the healthcare sector, emphasizing the risk it poses to patients relying on blood transfusions. Roei Sherman, CTO at Mitiga, warned that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for organizations, especially in critical sectors like healthcare. He highlighted the potential threat to public health posed by such attacks.
Williams stressed the need for healthcare organizations to enhance their defenses against data exfiltration to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting the sector and endangering both data and lives. With ransomware attacks targeting vital services like blood centers, it is crucial for healthcare organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures.
As ransomware attacks target essential services, it is imperative for healthcare organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their systems.
