Cyber ​​attack on Ameos: Clinics in Saxony-Anhalt dramatically affected!

Cyber ​​attack on Ameos: Clinics in Saxony-Anhalt dramatically affected!

A cyber attack severely affected the clinic operator Ameos in Saxony-Anhalt on Monday evening. The attack led to all digital systems being shut down as a precaution to protect sensitive data. Fortunately, patient care was ensured at all times, which is a great relief for everyone involved in times of such attacks MDR reported.

However, the disruption caused significant disruption in communication with the rescue control centers. The locations in the Harz district are particularly affected, where the control centers cannot access online information about available clinic places. However, this still works at the rescue control centers in the Börde and Salzlandkreis districts, so that emergency calls can be accepted and patients can be transported to the hospital.

Current situation and measures

Since the incident, many digital services have been restricted, including email traffic. However, patients on site notice little of these disorders. Ameos, which has eleven locations in Saxony-Anhalt and employs more than 18,000 people, is working hard to resolve the disruption. However, it remains uncertain when the problems will be resolved. The disruption also leads to restrictions on access to Ameos facilities, which means that, for example, X-rays and laboratory tests are sometimes not possible. The emergency control center's emergency app also only works to a limited extent, which results in longer transport routes. However, patients do not have to worry about their health Golem holds on.

Cyberattacks are a growing problem in healthcare. According to a study by Ärzteblatt, clinics and practices are heavily dependent on digital infrastructure, which makes them particularly vulnerable. In 2022, the Federal Criminal Police Office recorded over 136,000 cyber attacks, with healthcare being one of the most frequently attacked industries. In 2023, attacks on this sector increased by 74% compared to the same period last year, underlining the urgency of preventive measures. Ransomware that encrypts data and demands ransoms remains one of the biggest threats in this area, and attacks on hospitals are reaching worrying levels Medical Journal informed.

Conclusion and outlook

The incidents at Ameos are a wake-up call for the entire healthcare system, which should definitely invest in modern security structures. Security guidelines and regular updates are essential to protect data and not endanger patient care. The development shows once again that cyber attacks are not only a technical problem, but also a major social problem that must be kept firmly in mind.