The New York Blood Center, a major nonprofit blood donation and distribution center, had to cancel appointments and blood drives after a ransomware attack disrupted its operations. The cyberattack occurred on Sunday, and the organization is still working to fully restore its systems. Independent blood suppliers like the center provide a significant portion of the U.S. blood supply.
Ransomware is a type of cybercrime in which hackers demand payment in exchange for unlocking an organization’s computer networks. The attack on the blood center caused significant disruption, resulting in the cancellation of several blood drives. The organization was already facing challenges before the attack, with a shortage of blood supply.
Allan Liska, a ransomware analyst, highlighted the growing prevalence of ransomware attacks on sensitive organizations like medical nonprofits. He stressed that ransomware threats are still a significant issue, with thousands of attacks reported globally in recent years. The attackers behind these incidents show little regard for the impact on essential services like blood donations.
The New York Blood Center’s experience with the ransomware attack underscores the urgent need for organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity measures to protect critical services. The attack serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of cybersecurity breaches on vital systems and services.
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