Cyber attack at Nipigon District Hospital

NIPIGON, Ont. — Nipigon District Memorial Hospital has been hit by a ransomware attack, according to local press reports. Some patient services may have been affected as the general hospital in Nipigon responds to what it describes as a “cyber security incident.”

Ransomware is malicious software that locks devices or encrypts files until a payment is received.

“The hospital immediately activated its incident response and business continuity procedures,” the hospital said on social media.

“We are working with external cybersecurity experts and hospital partners to contain the incident, assess its scope and restore affected systems safely. We are also in touch with law enforcement.”

Nipigon mayor Suzanne Kukko told a local radio station “the hospital has confirmed that the incident involves ransomware, and some hospital files that may contain personal information and personal health information were encrypted by malware.”

Hospital administration said patients may experience longer wait times.
The hospital’s outpatient lab and diagnostic imaging were closed until further notice.

Shannon Cormier, the hospital’s CEO, said in an email last week that “some services and processes remain affected, and staff are using established manual procedures where necessary.”

She added that the hospital’s “immediate priorities remain the safe delivery of patient care, containment of the incident and the secure restoration of hospital systems.”

The hospital’s social media post said an investigation is underway and “the hospital will notify affected individuals as required and as appropriate.”