L.A.-area cyber attack could impact 17m patient records

L.A.-area cyber attack could impact 17m patient records 
GT - Government Technology - Cybersecurity; by Scott Schwebke; 12/12/24 
Hackers claim they have retrieved 17 million patient records, including confidential personal and medical information, in a ransomware attack on PIH Health that has paralyzed operations at three hospitals, the Southern California News Group has learned. The Dec. 1 attack downed computer and most phone systems at PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital and PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. Also compromised were urgent care centers, doctors offices and a home health and hospice agency operated by PIH. PIH officials on Wednesday declined to comment on a threatening typewritten letter purportedly faxed by the cyber criminals late last week, saying they are working with a cyber forensic specialist and the FBI to untangle the ransomware attack. The FBI also declined to discuss the ongoing investigation.