[BreachExchange] Michigan medical practice folds after ransomware attack

[Destry Winant]

https://www.scmagazine.com/home/security-news/ransomware/michigan-medical-practice-folds-after-ransomware-attack/

A Battle Creek, Mich. medical practice is being forced to shut its
doors after cyberattackers wiped out its files when the firm refused
to pay a ransom.

Brookside ENT and Hearing Center’s Dr. William Scalf told wwmt.com the
center was hit with ransomware which locked up its files and presented
the practice with a $6,500 ransom demand. Scalf and his partner Dr.
John Bizon did not believe their files would be released so they
refused to pony up the money.

As a result, wwmt.com reported, the attackers wiped all the office
files including appointment schedules, payment and patient
information. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their
practice’s database from scratch the two doctors instead decided to
retire.

Until the office closes on April 30 its staff is referring patients to
other practices.

While the FBI does not condone the practice of paying a ransom and the
majority of those so hit do not pay, there have been several incidents
lately where the victim’s have given in and paid in order to get back
into business as quickly and cheaply as possible. The Delaware
Guidance Services, Jackson County, Ga. and Columbia Surgical
Specialists all succumbed to ransomware attacks and paid in the last
two months.