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Hospital Back To Normal After Hackers Paid Off With $17,000 In Bitcoin
(Photo by Alexander Kirch via Shutterstock)
A Hollywood hospital is back up and running after it paid off its hackers in Bitcoin.On February 5, Hollywood Presbyterian's computer network went down after a "ransomware" attack locked out the hospital's staff, asking for a password. It was originally reported that the hackers demanded $3.4 million to get the system unlocked. However, the hospital was able to get everything back up and running after paying off the hackers with $17,000 in—what else?—Bitcoin.
"The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption key," hospital CEO Allen Stefanek told L.A. Weekly. "In the best interest of restoring normal operations, we did this."
While operations were slowed down since they had to resort to paper records and documents, and some patients were transferred, Stefanek told the Weekly that, "Patient care has not been compromised in any way."
The hospital was back up and running on Monday and the computers were said to be all clear of the malicious software. The FBI is currently investigating what is believed to be a random attack.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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