Battle Creek Medical Practice Forced To Close After Ransomware Attack

Posted by donna@healthlawcenterplc.com in Apr, 2019

As of April 30, 2019 the Brookside ENT and Hearing Center in Battle Creek will be closing after it suffered a ransomware attack.    The ransomware encrypted the practice’s system which housed patient records, appointment schedules, and payment information, rendering data inaccessible.  The attacker demanded a ransom of $6,500 in exchange for a key to decrypt the files.  Fearing demands for additional payments or the key to decrypt files would not be provided, Drs. William Scalf, MD and John Bizon, MD, owners of the medical practice, refused to pay the ransom demand. Since no payment was made, the attackers deleted all files on the system ensuring no information could be recovered.  This has caused major disruption to the continuing medical care of patients.

While the FBI feels this was an isolated attack, this incident highlights the need to ensure backups of all data are made, and those backup systems must be tested to ensure they have not been corrupted and file recovery is possible.  If you have questions regarding the security of patient files, Donna J. Craig, RN, JD at The Health Law Center can discuss your options.

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