Baton Rouge General Hospital Targeted in Cyberattack

The number of data breaches continues to increase as we quickly transition to a brave new age of high-tech and internet ubiquity. Criminals are responding accordingly, expanding their hacking and sleuthing skills to the point that digital attacks occur 'round the clock throughout nearly the entire globe. Hackers recently zeroed in on Baton Rouge General Hospital's computer system. Here's a quick look at what we know about the BRGH digital breach.

How was the Attack Conducted?

The hospital system suffered a digital breach that temporarily compromised internal systems. Though BRGH representatives did not provide much information about the hack, the group revealed the digital miscreants responsible for the attack were using social engineering techniques and other forms of manipulation. Word quickly spread in early July that the healthcare services provider had been struck by ransomware. Hackers forwarded a screen capture of the ransomware message written by the hackers responsible for the breach to a nationwide media outlet a couple of weeks later.

The ransom note made it seem like the Hive ransomware specialists were behind the attack. However, when a representative from Hive was contacted, he indicated the media outlet in question had inaccurate information. The fact that the relevant data breach information was not listed on Hive's website specifically dedicated to data leaks indicates the ransom was likely paid, or the two sides were still negotiating ransom payments.

Did the Attack Cripple the BRGH Healthcare Services?

BRGH could still accept new patients after the attack, yet ambulances could not transport those individuals to any of the group's hospitals. The after-effects of the attack lasted several days, preventing the hospital system from transporting patients to the appropriate facilities. 

The attack comes on the heels of a similar digital offensive against the Louisiana Workforce Commissions site. Both sites were temporarily disabled as a result of the hacks.

How did the Hospital Respond to the Attack?

Hospital officials provided little information to local news outlets in the days after acknowledging the attack. Representatives from the healthcare services provider refused to make a public statement on camera to any of the nearby news stations. BRGH officials also highlighted the fact that they are attempting to remedy the issues as quickly as possible.

Doctors, nurses, administrators, and others who work for the healthcare services provider resorted to temporary medical charting with pen and paper instead of using computers. The rapid response to the cyber attack set the stage for the hospital to restore its electronic medical records and patient systems.

A company representative warned customers that they should view all incoming emails as potential attempts to manipulate targets for financial gain. When in doubt, the most prudent approach in the context of digital correspondence is to reach out to the sender of the email message to confirm its legitimacy.

How can Businesses Prevent Similar Breaches?

The most important thing you can do as a business owner or even a computer owner who simply hops online to surf the web is enhance your protection barriers. Recognize that there is a never-ending digital ambush of ransomware hackers, malware, DDoS attacks, and other web-based threats. If you have not updated your digital safeguards in the past six months, now is the time to do so with the assistance of our cybersecurity specialists.