Ransomware attack triggers ‘system-wide’ tech outage at large network of medical centers

A ransomware attack has triggered a “system-wide technology outage” at a network of over a dozen medical centers in Ohio, causing the cancellation of elective inpatient and outpatient procedures, according to a statement from the health network and a ransom note viewed by CNN.

Kettering Health, which employs more than 1,800 doctors and serves a big chunk of Ohio, said in a statement that a “cyberattack” that hit Tuesday morning had created a “number of challenges” at the network’s 14 medical centers and had disrupted its call center. Emergency rooms and clinics are open and seeing patients, the statement said.

“Inpatient and outpatient procedures have been canceled for today,” Kettering Health said. “Scheduled procedures at Kettering Health medical centers will be rescheduled.” The health network said it had backup procedures in place “for these types of situations” to keep providing safe and quality care for patients.

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