Maryland Hospital Warns of Possible Delays After Ransomware Attack
FREDERICK, Md. — A Maryland hospital system is urging patience from the community after experiencing a ransomware attack on Monday. Frederick Health disclosed the incident in a Facebook post, confirming that its systems were briefly taken offline once the attack was detected.
The hospital collaborated with third-party cybersecurity experts to restore its systems, prioritizing patient care and safety.
“Our facilities remain open, and we continue to provide care for our patients using established backup processes and downtime procedures. However, some delays in services may occur,” the statement read.
Despite the cyberattack, most appointments are proceeding as scheduled. If an appointment needs to be rescheduled, the hospital’s office team will contact affected patients, according to a notice posted on Frederick Health’s website Tuesday.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of cyberattack where hackers use malicious software to lock files and demand payment to unlock them. It is a widespread cybersecurity threat that can cost organizations millions of dollars.
How to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of ransomware and malware attacks, follow these cybersecurity best practices:
- Keep your systems updated
- Use antivirus and firewall protection
- Regularly back up your data
- Be cautious online: Avoid clicking suspicious links, downloading from unknown sources, or opening attachments from untrusted senders
