California medical center forced to reschedule procedures due to ransomware attack

Chico, Calif.-based Enloe Medical Center was forced to reschedule some elective procedures following a ransomware attack on Dec. 31, according to local ABC affiliate KRCR.

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Staff have been unable to access information stored on the hospital’s network since it was encrypted. Enloe Medical Center is working with the FBI and a security consultant to restore its systems.

“Our caregivers did an incredible job responding to the cybersecurity incident and are doing everything possible to return our core systems to functionality, protect patient information and partner with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI,” Enloe Medical Center’s Director of Advancement and Communications Jolene Francis told KRCR. “Well planned and frequently practiced back-up protocols ensure that patient care remains uninterrupted as we work toward restoring affected systems.”

Enloe Medical Center was able to restore its phone systems last week.

“The privacy and security of information in our possession is one of the hospital’s highest priorities, and we have strict security protocols in place to protect information in our care,” said Kevin Woodward, CFO of Enloe Medical Center, to KRCR. “Upon learning of this incident, we immediately took steps to restore critical operating systems and ensure the security of our network. At this point in time, we have no indication or evidence that suggests patient medical data has been compromised.”

More articles on cybersecurity:
Florida clinic to pay $85K for violating HIPAA records access rule 
Wyoming hospitals hit by cyberattacks almost daily, state hospital association says
4 things to know about Zeppelin, a ransomware targeting healthcare organizations

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