A Chicago children’s hospital faced a digital attack, prompting the institution to disconnect its networks, restricting access to medical records and impeding communication via phone or email since the previous week.
Initially characterized as a network outage, Lurie Children’s Hospital later disclosed that the action was a response to a “cybersecurity matter.” The hospital expressed its serious approach to the situation, collaborating with law enforcement and engaging leading experts in the investigation.
In an official statement on Thursday, the hospital assured the public of its commitment to providing safe, quality care despite the cybersecurity challenges.
Lurie Children’s Hospital remained operational, striving to minimize disruptions to patient care. On Friday, the hospital introduced a dedicated call center for patients to address non-urgent queries, refill prescriptions, or inquire about care and appointments.
As of Monday, media representatives for the hospital had not responded to inquiries from The Associated Press, leaving key details, such as the nature of the attack and whether it involved ransomware, undisclosed. Ransomware attacks, which involve locking critical data and demanding payment for its release, are a common tactic for those seeking financial gain.
A report from the Department of Health and Human Services in 2023 highlighted a significant increase in digital attacks on healthcare and public health entities, leading to delayed or disrupted patient care nationwide. The challenges of cyber-based attacks extend beyond healthcare providers, affecting state courts, county or state governments, and schools, all grappling with recovery efforts.