On May 31, 2021, UF Health Central Florida encountered a cyberattack that impacted The Villages Hospital and Leesburg Hospital. UF Health announced the security breach within a couple of hours after discovering the attack, though during the time it was uncertain if any patient information was exposed in the attack.
A breach investigation was performed to figure out if the attackers got access to its computer system from May 29 to May 31, 2021, and although there is no confirmation of unauthorized access to patient information yet, UF Health already reported the potential access to some patient information. The exposed information involved names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, medical insurance details, patient account numbers, medical record numbers, and some treatment data.
UF Health stated that the attack did not affect its electronic medical records, nor its Jacksonville or Gainesville campuses. UF Health mentioned it is convinced that there is no misuse or exposure of any exposed information; nevertheless, as a safety measure against identity theft and fraud, impacted people are being provided credit monitoring and identity theft protection services for free. UF Health stated it is doing something to avert other attacks, such as improving the defenses of its electronic systems and fortifying security for sensitive information.
UF Health did not say to the public if there was ransomware involved in the cyberattack, however, a number of local media outlets reported the involvement of ransomware and the demand for $5 million ransom by the attackers.
Attempted Ransomware Attack Reported by Eskenazi Health
Eskenazi Health located in Indianapolis, IN is coping with an attempted ransomware attack, which happened on the morning of August 4, 2021. According to Eskenazi Health, its tracking systems worked as they ought to and proactively powered down its network to control the attack.
Eskenazi Health followed the emergency procedures and the so ambulances are diverted to other establishments to make sure that patients are safe. Eskenazi Health is presently working to restore its systems on the web. At this point, its tracking systems state that patient and employee information were not jeopardized in the attack.
Sandford Health Suffers Cyberattack
Sandford Health in Sioux Falls, SD stated it was a target of an August 3, 2021 cyberattack which is currently being resolved. Sanford President and CEO Bill Gassen affirmed its IT Staff took hostile steps as a reaction to the attempted cyberattack and it is doing everything it can to lessen trouble and giving excellent care to its patients is still its top one goal.
No other information has been revealed regarding the particular nature of the breach, however, at this point, it doesn’t seem that the records of employees, patients, or residents were exposed. Top IT security professionals were involved and are helping to handle the breach response and inquiry and additional details will be published when it is accessible.