ANTWERP, BELGIUM – A major cyberattack on AZ Monica hospital led to the shutdown of all servers, the cancellation of scheduled procedures, and the transfer of critical patients on January 13.
The attack forced the hospital, which operates campuses in Antwerp and Deurne, to disconnect its servers at 6:32 AM as a precautionary measure.
Cyberattack Response and Emergency Measures Implemented at Belgian Hospital
The cyberattack compelled AZ Monica to suspend all scheduled procedures, with 70 surgeries being cancelled. The emergency department continued to operate, albeit at reduced capacity, as emergency medical services and intensive care transport units remained offline, reports Bleeping Computer. Ambulances were partially diverted to nearby hospitals to manage the situation.
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Seven patients in need of critical care were transferred to other hospitals with the assistance of the Red Cross. Although most patients remained at AZ Monica, the registration process for new patients was slowed significantly as staff resorted to manual paper records.
According to the hospital’s latest update, the investigation into the cyberattack has not revealed any evidence of leaked or misused patient data. Some IT systems have been restored, and approximately 70% of planned surgical procedures and scheduled consultations have resumed, reports Cyber News. However, several departments are still operating below full capacity.
Cyberattack Impact on Staff and Hospital Operations Disruption
Despite progress in resolving the situation, the IT systems of the human resources department remain down, affecting the salary payments of about 1,200 doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. Hospital officials have assured staff members will receive partial compensation for their work, with full payment expected to resume this month.
Individual solutions will be sought for staff who worked less than average in December.
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The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on healthcare facilities, emphasizing the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says more than nearly 500 breaches were reported in the U.S. last year, although fewer people were impacted in 2025 compared to 2024, reports Chief Healthcare Executive.
