Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Rhode Island and California are reeling from
a widespread cyberattack that has crippled computer systems in hospitals and clinics operated by Prospect Medical Holdings, causing disruptions in emergency services and patient care.
John Riggi, an expert in cybersecurity and risk advisory for the American Hospital Association, emphasized the extent of the breach as hospitals resort to paper-based systems and manual processes.
"These are threat-to-life crimes, which risk not only the safety of the patients within the hospital but also risk the safety of the entire community that depends on the availability of that emergency department," Riggi stated.
Prospect Medical Holdings, which is based in California and has operating facilities in Texas, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, has taken its systems offline to protect against further damage. The company has launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity specialists, though the recovery process could last for weeks.
Meanwhile, the White House is closely monitoring the situation, with the National Security Council providing oversight. The
Department of Health and Human Services has also offered federal support to prevent disruptions in patient care.
While the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Connecticut is collaborating with law enforcement partners and victim entities, officials have yet to confirm whether the attack is a case of extortive ransomware. Ransomware attacks involve criminals stealing sensitive data, activating encryption malware to paralyze systems, and demanding ransoms. (Related:
Food giant Dole temporarily halts U.S. production following ransomware cyberattack.)
Furthermore, experts have warned against paying ransoms, citing the risks of encouraging criminal behavior and the potential sale of stolen data on the dark web.
Several states deal with the aftermath of the cyberattack
As a result of the attack, emergency departments in several states faced closures, and patients had to be redirected to alternative medical centers.