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

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

Sachsen-Anhalt, Deutschland - A cyber attack hit the clinic operator Ameos in Saxony-Anhalt on Monday evening. The attack caused all digital systems to be switched off as a precaution in order to protect sensitive data. Fortunately, the patient care remained ensured at all times, which in times of such attacks is a great relief for everyone involved, as mdr

The disorder, however, resulted in significant impairments of communication with the rescue control centers. The locations in the Harz district are particularly affected, where the control centers cannot access online information on free clinic places. However, this continues to work at the rescue control centers in the Börde and Salzland district 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 mail 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 remedy the disorder. However, when the problems will be resolved remains uncertain. In addition, the disorder leads to restrictions when arriving to AMEOS facilities, which means, for example, X-ray and laboratory examinations are sometimes not possible. The rescue control center's operating app also only works to a limited extent, which results in longer transport routes. Nevertheless, patients do not have to worry about their health, such as Golem .

cyber attacks are an increasing problem in healthcare. According to a study by the medical sheet, clinics and practices are heavily dependent on digital infrastructure, which makes it particularly susceptible. In 2022, the Federal Criminal Police Office recorded over 136,000 cyber attacks, whereby the healthcare system is one of the most frequently attacked industries. In 2023, the attacks on this sector even rose by 74 % compared to the same period last year, which underlines the urgency of preventive measures. Ransomware that encrypted and demands ransom remains one of the greatest threats in this area, and the attacks on clinics take worrying dimensions, such as Ärzteblatt informed

conclusion and outlook

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