Ontario hospitals regain computer systems after ransomware attack

Two Ontario hospitals – one in Listowel and the other in Wingham – have finally regained access to their computer systems after a highly disruptive ransomware attack.

This attack was first reported back in September – part of a series of cyberattacks affecting communities in southwestern Ontario. The malware targeted critical systems, forcing healthcare centres to temporarily close their oncology and diagnostic clinics, as well as turn away non-emergency care patients.

Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance said that it has investigated the attack and found there was no unauthorized access to anyone’s personal information, personal health information, or any other sensitive data.

“No contact was made with the hackers. No ransom amount was requested, nor did we pay a ransom,” the hospital group added.

During the period when the ransomware was still affecting the hospitals’ systems, the healthcare centres were forced to use paper documents. Some offices did not have access to patient files or lists. Treatments were delayed in some cases, and diagnostic testing, as well as specialist appointments, were deferred.

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