Hacker attack on AMEOS clinics: Chaos in Bremerhaven!

Hackerangriff auf Ameos-Kliniken in Osterholz: IT-Systeme gestört, Operationen verschoben, Patientenversorgung sichergestellt.
Hacker attack on AMEOS clinics in Osterholz: IT systems disrupted, operations are postponed, patient care ensured. (Symbolbild/MB)

Hacker attack on AMEOS clinics: Chaos in Bremerhaven!

In the Bremerhaven Ameos Clinic Sowieder other German locations, there have been considerable IT disorders for days. These were caused by a hacker attack that was noticed on Monday evening. As a result, the AMEOS group, an important player in the clinic sector with over 100 institutions in Germany, switched off all digital systems as a precaution. Over 500,000 patients who are treated annually in the clinics are affected by the effects. As Buten uninnen , e-mails cannot be reached in the most urgent cases.

The reports of patients and relatives who report on black screens are striking. Even simple information such as medication had to be obtained by a patient himself. "The quality of the supply remains preserved," emphasizes Ameos, but the concerns and complaints about the lack of information are increasing. So far, it remains unclear who is behind the attack, and so far nobody has known each other about the incident.

The failure and its consequences

The digital systems of the AmeOS clinics have been paralyzed for almost a week, and the problems are not only limited to Bremen and Bremerhaven. The IT failure also influences communication with rescue control centers in the area. According to Marian Kogler, managing director of the IT security company Syret, the cyber attack was partially successful, which may be indicated by negotiations between Ameos and the attackers, since this silence around the incident can also be interpreted as a tactic. Solutions to remedy the IT problems work intensively in the background, but when the normal operation can be restored remains open.

The severe such attack increases rapidly. Das Ärzteblatt warns that the healthcare is one of the most frequently attacked industries. The number of cyber attacks rose by 74 % compared to the previous year in 2023. The common method of attacking is the insertion of ransomware, in which data is encrypted and ransom is required. Effective protection means using the latest technologies and comprehensive security concepts - also to avoid future attacks.

a growing problem

With increasing networking in healthcare, the dependence on digital infrastructure also increases. These developments not only bring opportunities, but also considerable risks. The experts advise to implement technical security measures and solid emergency planning. These must be practiced and updated regularly to be prepared in an emergency.

The situation in the Ameos clinics is an urgent wake-up call that you have to take cybersecurity seriously. While the clinic operators are trying to get the problems under control, it remains to be hoped that the patients will receive the necessary information and care they urgently need.

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OrtOsterholz, Deutschland
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