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Key computer systems at hospitals and clinics in several states are still offline more than two weeks after a cyberattack. Prospect Medical Holdings, which runs 16 hospitals and numerous medical facilities in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas, has reported progress in recovering critical systems and restoring their integrity. However, a definitive timeline for the return to normal operations is still uncertain. The company is currently working closely with law enforcement officials as the forensic investigation continues.

The recovery process after a cyberattack can often take weeks, during which hospitals resort to paper systems and manual monitoring of equipment. The attack, which occurred on August 3, displayed characteristics of extortive ransomware. In such attacks, criminals steal sensitive data, activate encryption malware to paralyze the network, and then demand ransoms. The FBI advises against paying ransoms as there is no guarantee that stolen data won’t be sold on dark web criminal forums. Paying ransoms also perpetuates criminal activities.

As a result of the cyberattack, certain medical services such as elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, blood drives, and more have been postponed. Some hospitals, like Eastern Connecticut Health Network and Waterbury Hospital, have resorted to temporary phone systems and paper records to continue providing care.

The healthcare industry has been heavily targeted by cyberattacks, and it has reported the most expensive breaches for 13 consecutive years. Healthcare providers are common targets due to the sensitive patient data they possess, including medical histories, payment information, and critical research data.

While progress is being made in recovering from the cyberattack, the restoration of key computer systems and the return to normal operations remain uncertain.

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