Mass Cyber Attack Forces 100 Romanian Hospitals Offline

In February 2024, over 100 hospitals in Romania were targeted by a ransomware attack utilizing the BackMyData strain, which compromised a widely used medical software called Hippocrates. The national cyber-security centre (DNSC) ordered hospitals to disconnect from the internet to halt the spread of the malware. This drastic measure left medical staff reliant on pen and paper for patient care, as they developed offline workarounds to maintain operations. The attack, one of the most severe against healthcare systems globally, has prompted international discussions on disaster response strategies. The ransomware encrypted vital patient data, demanding a ransom in bitcoin. The incident highlights the growing trend of cyber threats against healthcare infrastructure, as confirmed by the FBI. The response from medical staff and IT teams has been praised as a case study for future crisis management.

Key Points: • Over 100 Romanian hospitals were forced offline due to a ransomware attack in February 2024. • The ransomware strain BackMyData encrypted patient data, demanding ransom in bitcoin. • Healthcare systems are increasingly targeted, with the FBI noting a rise in attacks on critical infrastructure.