Hackers infected the IT infrastructure of the largest private hospital in Europe with ransomware.

Cybersecurity news outlet, KrebsonSecurity, reported on May 6 that hackers compromised the Information technology systems of Federal republic of germany-based private hospital, Fresenius. An anonymous source reportedly informed the outlet that the hospital's systems were infected by the ransomware known as Snake.

The ransomware in question was discovered earlier this twelvemonth, and is beingness actively used to target large businesses. Fresenius spokesperson, Matt Kuhn, reportedly confirmed to KrebsonSecurity that the hack took identify:

"I can confirm that Fresenius' IT security detected a computer virus on company computers. [...] Equally a precautionary measure in accordance with our security protocol drawn upwards for such cases, steps have been taken to foreclose farther spread. Nosotros have too informed the relevant investigating authorities."

Kuhn also told the outlet that while some functions inside the hospital are currently limited, patient care is still ongoing. He likewise said that Fresenius' IT experts are currently working to solve the issues caused by the malware.

Ransomware groups assail healthcare providers amid the pandemic

Ransomware is believed by many to be the biggest threat among all existing malware. Given the strain that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on global healthcare systems, ransomware attacks on hospitals are of particular concern right now.

Cybersecurity business firm, Emsisoft, has been offering gratuitous help to healthcare providers that fall victim to cryptocurrency-demanding ransomware since March. In Apr, Microsoft began notifying vulnerable hospitals to prepare for potential ransomware attacks.

Hackers continue to attack healthcare organizations despite a general fall in ransomware attacks amid the pandemic. At the stop of April, hackers infected the infrastructure of the largest health centre in Pueblo County, Colorado with ransomware. In late March, blackness hat hacker grouping, Maze, infected the infrastructure of a firm researching the coronavirus with ransomware.