AZ Monica Hospital: Servers offline due to cyberattack

The Belgian AZ Monica hospital was hit by a serious cyberattack , forcing it to take drastic measures within minutes. The management decided to completely disconnect all of the hospital's servers in order to limit the scope of the attack and protect critical systems .

AZ Monica operates two large facilities in Antwerp and Dern, serving hundreds of patients daily. The sudden disruption of digital infrastructure had a direct impact on the institution's operations, highlighting the limits of reliance on electronic health systems.

Cancellations of procedures and limitation of services

As a direct consequence of the attack, the hospital suspended all scheduled surgeries. The Emergency Department continues to operate at reduced capacity, while critical services, such as mobile emergency medical (MUGs) and some intensive care units (PITs), were temporarily shut down.

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In an official press release, AZ Monica said patients had already been informed of the cancellations, stressing that “urgent care” continues. However, non-urgent medical appointments are postponed, as digital medical records cannot be accessed.

Patient transfer and return to paper

The seriousness of the situation is also reflected in the fact that seven patients who needed immediate care were transferred to other hospitals with the assistance of the Red Cross. The remaining patients remain at AZ Monica and continue to receive the necessary care, according to staff.

At the same time, the admission processes of new patients have slowed down significantly, as employees are forced to record data and medical information by hand. This is a “step backwards”, which demonstrates how critical digital systems are for the modern operation of a hospital.

Investigations by authorities and prosecutors

The AZ Monica administration has already notified the relevant authorities, with the police and prosecutors investigating the cybersecurity incident. The hospital states that it is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to informing the public as soon as new information becomes available.

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In a related announcement, it is emphasized that the priority remains patient safety and continuity of care, despite the technical difficulties caused by the attack.

Ransomware in the background?

So far, AZ Monica has not clarified the nature of the cyberattack or whether it is a ransomware incident. However, this scenario is considered highly likely, as hospitals are prime targets for cybercrime groups. “Double extortion” attacks, where attackers lock down systems and threaten to leak sensitive data, have increased dramatically in recent years.

Local media are reporting unconfirmed reports that the attackers may have demanded a ransom, but neither the hospital administration nor prosecutors have confirmed this.

Healthcare in the target of cyberattacks

The incident at AZ Monica is not an isolated incident. Across Europe and internationally, attacks on hospitals and healthcare organizations are increasing, causing not only financial losses but also direct risks to human life. The reliance on digital records, patient management systems and networked medical equipment makes cybersecurity a critical public health issue.

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The AZ Monica case serves as yet another warning bell: without strong defenses and crisis response plans, a cyberattack can paralyze an entire hospital in a matter of minutes. And this is a risk that no society can afford to ignore any longer.

Source: www.bleepingcomputer.com