Here’s How 7 Institutions Dealt with Recent Ransomware Attacks
Hollywood Presbyterian employees became completely locked out of the hospital’s computer system on Feb. 5. A ransomware message initially asked for $3.6 million worth of bitcoins to restore the database.
Hospital officials immediately informed law enforcement, including the FBI, and computer experts, although it is unclear what other steps were taken to limit the malware’s spread.
Because the emergency room was affected (including X-Ray and CT scan machines) and medical records were inaccessible, many patients were transferred and others missed important treatments.
On Feb. 17, the hospital negotiated the ransom and paid the hacker $16,664 (or 40 bitcoins) to regain access to its system. Hospital CEO Allen Stefanek said the payment was “the quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems.”
Some have speculated that the Locky strand of ransomware was responsible for the attack. Few other details about the attack have been released as the FBI continues to investigate.
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