Hackers hold California hospital's computer network hostage, demanding $3.6 million
Ransomware has wreaked havoc on Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in California in recent days. The hospital's computers were down for more than a week after a ransomware infection encrypted all files on the hospital's network .
The problem is so severe that the hospital authorities are transferring its patients to other hospitals due to the system outage. The ransomware has also taken all connected medical devices and portals offline. What’s worse is that the hackers who installed the ransomware have reportedly demanded more than $3.6 million to decrypt the system and files, according to CSO reports.
To help the difficult situation during the crisis, hospital staff have now turned to manual work and the use of faxes and landlines to get the work done.
The hospital's computers were apparently infected with ransomware when an employee clicked on a malicious link or attachment. However, the $3.6 million demanded by the hackers is one of the most bizarre digital ransom demands in recent history.
The FBI is investigating the case in conjunction with the LAPD and other international law enforcement agencies. The hospital did not immediately respond to a request for comment and has not elaborated on how far the attack has spread, what type of ransomware infected its network, or how it was infected in the first place.
