Computer System Failure Prompts WVU Hospital to Lockdown
Malware or a virus affected Ruby Memorial Hospital’s clinical and security operating systems.
During the malfunction, Ruby Memorial was unable to use its video monitoring system.
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – West Virginia University (WVU) Hospital officials are breathing a sigh of relieve now that it appears no patient data was compromised at Ruby Memorial Hospital after it experienced a major computer problem on Tuesday.
IT specialists at Ruby Memorial individually checked more than 14,000 computers on its campus after malware or a virus forced the hospital into a four-hour lockdown, reports WV Public Broadcasting.
The hospital experienced problems just after midnight on Tuesday with its clinical and security operating systems. During the disruption, Ruby Memorial was unable to use its video monitoring system, which prompted the hospital to go into lockdown. At that time, security officers were stationed at each entrance so they could check the IDs of clinicians needing to enter campus so they could provide medical care.
Despite the issue, Ruby Memorial officials claim patient safety and data were not compromised, reports Metro News.
WVU Hospitals Director of Public Affairs Amy Johns says they don’t believe the glitch was the result of an attack on Ruby Memorial.
Photo via Wikimedia
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About the Author
Robin Hattersley, Editor-in-Chief
Robin has been covering the security and campus law enforcement industries since 1998 and is a specialist in school, university and hospital security, public safety and emergency management, as well as emerging technologies and systems integration. She joined CS in 2005 and has authored award-winning editorial on campus law enforcement and security funding, officer recruitment and retention, access control, IP video, network integration, event management, crime trends, the Clery Act, Title IX compliance, sexual assault, dating abuse, emergency communications, incident management software and more. Robin has been featured on national and local media outlets and was formerly associate editor for the trade publication Security Sales & Integration. She obtained her undergraduate degree in history from California State University, Long Beach.
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