Security News > 2024 > February > Lurie Children's Hospital back to pen and paper after cyberattack

Lurie Children's Hospital said it pulled network systems offline as it continues to respond to "a cybersecurity matter" alongside outside experts and law enforcement agencies.

"Lurie Children's Hospital said in a statement:"As Illinois' leading provider for pediatric care, our overarching priority is to continue providing safe, quality care to our patients and the communities we serve.

The hospital treats more than 200,000 children a year and is home to the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, which is actively researching a range of pediatric illnesses and injuries.

The attack on Saint Anthony's system began in December 2023 and the hospital only recently disclosed the extent of the damage - data theft but little to no operational downtime or disruption.

Even if Saint Anthony Hospital were inclined to pay, which is very much not the officially recommended route to take, given the lofty sum and the fact it's a non-profit, it's unlikely the hospital would be able to pay anyway.

The healthcare sector has long been a primary target for cybercriminals for many reasons, from generally poorer security postures to the operational disruption an attack on a hospital or similar facility can cause, and everything in between.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/02/05/lurie_childrens_hospital_cyberattack/