Cyberattack on local hospital group part of global ransomware attack

One of the area’s largest health networks confirms it was a victim of the worldwide ransomware cyber-attack.

Heritage Valley Health System is a $480 million network serving four Pennsylvania counties as well as parts of Ohio and West Virginia.

Early Tuesday morning, the hospital group confirmed it was hit by a cyberattack that impacted its computer system. Doctors and nurses could not access patient records, X-rays or test results. They were still treating patients.

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In a statement, Heritage Valley confirmed the attack on its system was identified as the "same ransomware attack that affected a number of organizations globally."

"Corrective measures supplied by our antivirus software vendor have been developed and are being implemented and tested within the Health System," according to the release. "Additionally, other restorative measures are being undertaken at this time. Heritage Valley continues to implement downtime procedures and make operational adjustments to ensure safe patient care."

Heritage Valley has two hospitals - one in Beaver and one in Sewickley - and 60 doctors' offices along with 18 satellite centers. It employs more than 3,500 people and provides care in Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Allegheny counties.

Officials have not commented on whether patient or worker information has been compromised.

Cox Media Group