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Health giant Kettering still facing disruption weeks after ransomware attack
Kettering Health in Ohio is facing significant operational disruptions following a ransomware attack two weeks ago. The attack caused a system-wide technology outage, hindering patient communication and care. While some core electronic health record functions have been restored, many services remain affected, including medication refills and emergency room operations.
Key points
- Kettering Health experienced a ransomware attack causing a system-wide technology outage.
- The attack led to the loss of electronic health record access, impacting patient care and communication.
- Patients reported difficulties in contacting doctors and accessing medications, forcing manual processes.
- Emergency services, including ambulance operations, faced delays due to inefficiencies in handling records.
- Kettering Health's response included IT infrastructure shut down to contain the attack; no ransom was paid.
Why it matters
- Ransomware attacks in the healthcare sector have risen, with Kettering Health being the latest victim.
- In 2024, a major breach at Change Healthcare highlighted vulnerabilities, affecting 190 million people, stressing the trend of increased cyberattacks on healthcare organizations.
- The frequency of healthcare data breaches reached unprecedented levels in 2024, marking a crucial point in cybersecurity for the industry.
The Kettering Health ransomware attack underscores the vulnerabilities in healthcare IT systems and highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures amid rising cyber threats in the sector.