Cybersecurity Crisis Hits Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, California, prompting a “cybersecurity challenge.” Ambulance traffic was diverted from the hospital to other healthcare facilities due to a recent cyber attack. The emergency department remains open for cases arriving in private vehicles.
Although the exact nature of the cyber attack has not been disclosed, ransomware is suspected among those familiar with the situation. This is part of a rising trend among healthcare providers, as the number of data breaches has doubled over the past three years, with an increasing danger of ransomware, as the average ransom demand surged to $247,000.
Tri-City Medical Center is an independent medical provider for the Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista area, serving the public since 1961. The hospital is currently in negotiations with UC San Diego Health, the selected entity to manage its operations under a joint powers agreement.
This is part of a wider trend, as a study spanning years 2016 to 2021 uncovered 374 ransomware attacks on healthcare delivery organizations. This often results in data theft before system lockdowns, impacting not only the targeted hospital, but also neighboring facilities forced to accommodate additional patients.
This is not an isolated incident, as other healthcare providers in San Diego County have faced similar cyber attacks. In 2021, Scripps Health’s ransomware attack disrupted access to electronic health records, resulting in a $113 million loss. UC San Diego Health also experienced a data breach the same year, exposing protected information.
While these incidents prompt concerns about financial and operational ramifications, patient care is also at risk. As cyber threats to healthcare providers continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly vital that effective cybersecurity measures are taken to safeguard sensitive patient information and ensure the continuity of healthcare services to the public.
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