Lurie Children’s Hospital stuck with network out due to cyber attack

TLDR:

• Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago is experiencing a network outage following a cyber security attack.
• The attack has caused all computers, internet, and phones to go offline, disrupting access to care and critical information.
• No patients have been able to attend their scheduled appointments, and many are awaiting notice of when they can return for care.
• The attack is different from typical IT system attacks because it directly affects the lives of patients.
• The hospital is working to restore critical systems and investigate the cyber security breach.
• Law enforcement advises against paying any ransom demands.

Frustrations are mounting for families affected by a network outage at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, which has persisted for five days following a cyber security attack. The attack has disrupted access to care and critical information by taking all computers, internet, and phones offline. As a result, patients have been unable to attend their scheduled appointments, and there is uncertainty about when they can reschedule. The attack is notable because it directly affects the lives of patients and is not a traditional IT system breach. Efforts are underway to restore critical systems and implement additional cyber security controls to prevent future attacks. Law enforcement has advised against paying any ransom demands, and the hospital has established a call center to assist patients and provide information on appointments and prescriptions. Northwestern Medicine, a nearby hospital, has taken precautions to prevent similar attacks on its systems.