3 US hospitals hit by ransomware

Three U.S. hospitals were hit by “ransomware” this week, bringing down their IT systems, according to a report from NBC News.

Methodist Hospital in Ky. and California’s Chino Valley Medical Center and Desert Valley Hospital all fell victim to ransomware, according to NBC news. The 2 California hospitals reported that they were running normally again shortly after the attack.

Ransomware is effectively digital extortion – malicious programs that control user devices and files until the user ponies up, usually in the digital currency Bitcoin.

“The malware disruption did not impact patient safety or compromise patient records, staff records or patient care,” said Prime Healthcare Management spokesperson Fred Ortega, according to NBC News. Prime Healthcare Management represents both Chino Valley and Desert Valley hospitals.

A representative for Methodist Hospital in Ky. said the hospitals IT systems were affected by a ransomware called “Locky,” according to NBC News.

The news service said that Symantec Security identified Locky as a virus that travels through spam email campaigns disguised as invoices, which if run will install locky onto the victim’s computer.

Last November, a report from Forreseter Research said that life-saving medical devices could be held hostage by ‘ransomware’.

2015 saw significant growth in ransomware cases, and the malicious programs are expected to expand into other fields as more and more devices pick up connectivity to enable an ‘Internet of Things,’ according to the report.

“Ransomware grew rapidly in 2015 thanks to the popularity of ransomware families like CTB-Locker, Teslacrypt, and CryptoWall. Motivated by the rise of virtual currencies and the number of victims who have demonstrated a willingness to pay to regain access to their data, cybercriminals are embracing cyber extortion,” Forrester Research, Inc wrote in its report.

Unlike ransomware cases involving files and devices held hostage, holding medical devices, such as connected pacemakers or drug infusion pumps, could create a much more serious issue with a risk of serious injury or death.

“Thats a bold specific prediction. I hope it doesn’t happen as they say it will, because that would shatter our confidence in these life-saving devices,” grassroots cybersecurity and public safety group I Am The Cavalry founder Joshua Corman told Vice’s Motherboard in an interview.

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