Hospital cyberattack suspected in Appalachian computer outage
Imaging departments were not immune as all data systems were taken down at Appalachian Regional Healthcare, which serves parts of Kentucky and West Virginia, after an apparent cyberattack on Aug. 29.
As of Friday afternoon the systems still seemed to be offline, as the institution’s website would not load.
So far, there’s no report of ransom demands.
The Floyd County Times in Kentucky is among the local outlets following developments. On Sept. 1 the newspaper published a statement from a hospital spokesperson. It reads, in part:
“ARH would like to emphasize that we presently have no reason to believe that the protected health information or any financial information of our patients or employees has been accessed. Please be assured that ARH will investigate this fully, and will take prompt action to notify and protect patients and employees if it appears that their private information has been accessed.”
The newspaper reports that an investigation by law enforcement is ongoing.
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Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.