OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – According to a press release from CHI Health’s parent company, the cybersecurity incident the organization has been facing for more than a week is due to a ransomware attack.
“Upon discovering the ransomware attack, CommonSpirit took immediate steps to protect our systems, contain the incident, begin an investigation, and ensure continuity of care,” says the release.
“Patients continue to receive the highest quality of care, and we are providing relevant updates on the ongoing situation to our patients, employees, and caregivers. Patient care remains our utmost priority and we apologize for any inconvenience this matter has created.”
The release comes hours after CHI Health representatives told 6 News that the attack has caused them to make “temporary adjustments, including rescheduling or delaying certain appointments or procedures on a case-by-case basis.”
“This particular incident right now is a little bit unknown,” says Tony Sabaj, a cybersecurity expert with Check Point, a global company that helps organizations, including some major health systems, protect against and respond to cyber incidents.
Sabaj says it’s not uncommon for health systems to be targeted by ransomware.
“Ransomware actors will go after health care organizations because they’re more apt to pay ransomware attacks to get their systems back online so they can do lifesaving work and not affect patient care,” he says.
But there are other reasons why attackers go…
