Computer viruses spread day by day. Infect offices, workshops, bank branches… and hospitals. Yes, as you read it, the viruses that infect health systems have arrived and the consequences are terrible.
In 2016, hospitals have been targeted by cybercriminals. The latest incident, occurred in various hospitals in the Lincolnshire region, England, has led to the cancellation of hundreds of consultations and scheduled surgical interventions after a computer attack compromised the network of the public health service (NHS).
Still without official confirmation, everything points to being the result of a ransomware (virus that hijacks your information by encrypting it and asking for a ransom). The incident forced computer experts to shut down most systems in order to isolate the virus and prevent its spread..
Due to the sensitivity of the information handled by these health centers and taking into account that delays in operations or consultations can lead to serious damage to the patient, hospitals do not hesitate to pay the amount required by cybercriminals.
Earlier this year, Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles paid 17.000 dollars in the form of Bitcoin (the main virtual currency used on the Internet black market) in order to restore the hijacked files.