UNM Health System warns public not to engage with groups claiming responsibility for cyber incident

 Albuquerque-based UNM Health System said clinical operations across all facilities are fully functional following an Oct. 26 cyberattack that forced ambulance diversions, canceled appointments and disrupted academic activities.

In an Oct. 28 update, the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center said classes and research activities have resumed. Officials also warned patients, employees and students not to engage with individuals or groups claiming responsibility for the attack, citing the risk of additional scams and fraud.

UNM said its IT security teams responded quickly to protect core networks, systems and servers and that the university did not make concessions to any group behind the threat.

The latest update follows the health system’s Oct. 27 announcement that critical electronic systems had been restored and hospitals had reopened to normal operations.

According to UNM, security teams began containing the incident around 11 a.m. Oct. 26. An assessment found that the attack affected some end-user devices but did not penetrate core systems or servers.

The incident prompted UNM Health to divert ambulances to other hospitals for approximately two hours and suspend outpatient surgeries and appointments for the remainder of Oct. 26. The health system began restoring operations later that afternoon.

UNM said it has notified state and federal law enforcement. The incident remains under criminal investigation.

https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/cybersecurity/unm-warns-public-not-to-engage-with-groups-claiming-responsibility-for-cyber-incident/