Cyber attack on AMEOS clinics: data theft and chaos in the emergency services!

Cyber attack on AMEOS clinics: data theft and chaos in the emergency services!

Sachsen-Anhalt, Deutschland - A hacker attack on the clinic operator Ameos is currently causing worrying headlines. Already at the beginning of the month, the incident occurred, which not only significantly impaired the company's IT systems, but also the medical care in Saxony-Anhalt. Several clinics are affected, some of which cannot be operated to the usual dimensions due to the disorders. According to [MDR] (https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen-anhalt/it-ausfall-amenos-kliniken-kyber attack dattenklau100.html), data about patients and employees may have been stolen, even if it remains unclear whether data has actually been discontinued. One thing is certain: access to the IT systems could not be prevented.

The effects are noticeable. The ambulance service has difficulty approaching to Ameos hospitals in the Harz, which led to longer transport routes and an increase in the number of patients in other facilities. In some places you record up to 40% more patients in the Harz Hospital. The situation presents emergency care with enormous challenges, but the clinic operator assures that medical treatment in the clinics is still guaranteed and emergency rooms remain open. "Nobody is rejected in an emergency," assures the company.

technical disorders and cybersecurity

Despite the set up security measures, the hackers managed to access the systems at short notice. The IT department of AMEOS has immediately initiated measures to restore the systems and to ensure the safety of the data. Nevertheless, IT operation is significantly impaired and the clinic operator continues to fight with persistent problems. "Some of the IT systems are not available," reports [ChannelPartner] (https://www.channelpartner.de/article/4025205/klinikkonzern-amen-nach-nach-cyber attack.

In addition, AMEOS warns his patients and employees, especially to pay attention to suspicious emails and possible fraud stitches. At a time when digital attacks are becoming increasingly common, data protection is a high level of responsibility. As the data protection authority has determined, AMEOS is obliged to inform those affected in the event of a data loss. The company has already filed a criminal complaint with the State Criminal Police Office and works closely with the authorities.

FAZIT

The situation around Ameos is tense and requires quick action. The restoration of the IT systems has top priority in order to ensure smooth medical care soon. The concern of patients and employees must not be underestimated, so there is hope that the security precautions will soon take effect and a similar situation in the future can be prevented.