Scripps Health Admits Weeks-Long Computer Outage Due To 'Ransomware'

San Diego CA

25 May, 2021

5:18 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego May 25, 2021 Scripps Health informed its patients Monday that a cyber attack which took down its computer systems three weeks ago was due to "ransomware." Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO, said in an email to patients that the health care group withheld details of the attack to prevent hackers from further exploiting the situation and potentially sending scam email to patients. "We are continuing to investigate the incident, which I can confirm involved ransomware," said Van Gorder. "We reported this to federal law enforcement, and continue to support their investigation as well." He said Scripps is making progress restoring computer systems and has added operators to answer patients' questions. "When you come in for care, your medical history is again at our fingertips electronically," he said. "In addition, we anticipate our electronic health record will be back online the latter part of this week, including your ability to log into your MyScripps account to see your health care information." Ransomware attacks are becoming more common. Earlier this month, a ransomware attack by Russian hackers shut down the key pipeline providing oil supplies to the East Coast. Colonial Pipeline ultimately paid the hackers $4.4 million. Van Gorder did not say whether Scripps has paid a ransom in its case. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.