Kettering Health struck by cyberattack, scam calls reported

Kettering Health, a major healthcare provider in Ohio, is currently dealing with a “system-wide technology outage”, limiting its ability to help patients. The health organization has also received multiple reports of scam calls.

“Earlier this morning, Kettering Health experienced a system-wide technology outage, which limited our ability to access certain patient care systems across the organization. We have procedures and plans in place for these types of situations and will continue to provide safe, high-quality care for patients currently in our facilities,” Kettering Health wrote in a public statement that was released on Tuesday.

According to the health organization, which includes 120 outpatient facilities and 14 medical centers in Western Ohio and employs over 1,800 doctors, an unauthorized third party was able to access its IT network, impacting the operations of more than a dozen medical centers.

Multiple medical procedures had to be cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date. Emergency rooms and clinics are open and continue to see patients.

There have also been reports of scam calls from persons claiming to be Kettering Health team members, requesting credit card payments for medical expenses from unsuspecting patients.

“While it is customary for Kettering Health to contact patients by phone to discuss payment options for medical bills, out of an abundance of caution, we will not be making calls to ask for or receive payment over the phone until further notice. We encourage anyone who receives a scam call to report it to local law enforcement,” Kettering Health recommends.

In its latest update, the health institution says personnel are working diligently around the clock to restore the affected systems.

“At this time, procedures are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis based upon collaborative decision-making between care teams, with safety as our highest priority.

Additionally, if our care teams have patients’ contact information, they will contact patients by phone about rescheduling procedures. While we recognize this process has not been seamless, and we ask for everyone’s patience while we continue to work through this issue,” Kettering Health states.

According to CNN, a ransomware gang known as Interlock is responsible for the cyberattack. Once they infiltrated Kettering Health’s systems, they installed ransomware to lock computers and digital files.

“Your network was compromised, and we have secured your most vital files,” the ransom note says, according to the news outlet. A spokesperson refused to comment on the incident beyond the organization’s statement.