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Ransomware Attack Hits Major Blood Donation Center

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A nonprofit blood donation center serving more than 250 hospitals in the southeastern U.S. was hit with a cyberattack that left computers disabled and disrupted services. Florida-based OneBlood, which also offers services in Georgia and the Carolinas, said it was experiencing a "ransomware event" on its software systems. In ransomware attacks, hackers use malware to encrypt data or software systems and demand a ransom be paid in exchange for restored access. OneBlood's Susan Forbes said the company has been able to remain operational for the time being, but has been forced to implement a manual process that takes "significantly longer" and negatively impacts inventory availability, Scripps News reports.


OneBlood said it is in "urgent need" for O positive, O negative and platelet donations, but donors of all blood types are helpful. “The blood supply cannot be taken for granted," Forbes said. "The situation we are dealing with is ongoing. If you are eligible to donate, we urge you to please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible." Experts say the number of attacks against hospitals and health systems is climbing, as is the dollar cost to ransom critical infrastructure back from criminals that hold it hostage. In 2023, the average cost for a ransomware attack was $1.5 million, up from $5,000 in 2018. As hospitals increase their dependence on online tools for operations and patient records, the risk from cyberattacks and ransomware are expected to grow. Recovering from an attack can take time and money, sometimes requiring months of rebuilding systems.

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