Over 100 hospitals in Romania offline due to major ransomware attack
OAN’s James Meyers
11:20 AM – Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Over 100 healthcare facilities in Romania are officially offline after hackers launched a large ransomware attack on at least 25 healthcare facilities, according to country’s cybersecurity agency.
The Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate made the announcement on Tuesday saying the attack started with the Pitesti Pediatric Hospital and moved to other healthcare facilities at an escalated rate.
The cybersecurity agency also said close to 80 healthcare facilities have disconnected from the internet to try to avoid the hackers.
The high number of healthcare facilities represents a wide portion of the eastern European nation.
According to data conducted last year, Romania has 543 hospitals nationwide.
Additionally, studies have shown hospitals have higher death rates when experiencing cyber attacks due to downtime on equipment.
Meanwhile, ransomware attacks have continued to skyrocket across the globe, with victims paying their attackers a record $1 billion last year.
According to the Romanian agency, the hackers used a type of ransomware called Phobos, which was created by Russian-speaking hackers.
The hackers have also asked for $3.5 bitcoin in ransom, the equivalent of almost $170,000.
The agency also announced Romania’s top cybersecurity company, Bitdefender, is helping fight the attack against the hospitals.
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What are the long-term consequences of ransomware attacks on hospitals, both financially and in terms of reputation
In ransom payments in 2020 alone, according to cybersecurity firm Emsisoft.
Ransomware attacks occur when hackers gain unauthorized access to a computer system and encrypt the victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible. The hackers then demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
The recent attack on healthcare facilities in Romania highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats. Healthcare facilities hold sensitive patient information and rely heavily on technology for patient care. When these systems are compromised, the consequences can be severe.
Not only do these attacks disrupt healthcare services, but they can also put patients’ lives at risk. Hospitals rely on computer systems to monitor patients, administer medication, and perform surgeries. When these systems are offline, healthcare professionals are forced to rely on manual processes, which can be slower and more prone to error.
In addition to the immediate impact on patient care, ransomware attacks can have long-lasting effects on an organization’s reputation and finances. Hospitals may face significant financial losses from the costs of restoring systems, paying ransoms, and potential lawsuits from affected patients.
To combat this growing threat, it is crucial for healthcare facilities to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. This includes regularly updating software and security protocols, training staff on cybersecurity best practices, and implementing multi-factor authentication.
Furthermore, governments need to prioritize cybersecurity and allocate resources to support the protection of critical infrastructure. This includes funding for cybersecurity initiatives, legislation to punish cybercriminals, and collaboration with international partners to track and apprehend hackers.
The incident in Romania serves as a wake-up call for healthcare facilities worldwide. It underscores the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity defenses and develop effective strategies to prevent and respond to cyber threats.
Ultimately, the protection of healthcare systems and patient data is a collective responsibility. Governments, organizations, and individuals must work together to ensure that our critical infrastructure remains secure in the face of evolving cyber threats. Only through a combined effort can we effectively mitigate the risks posed by ransomware attacks and safeguard the integrity of healthcare services.
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