Ransomware attack: Cyber terrorism probe as AIIMS services paralysed

Emergency responders raced to restore the computer networks at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi (AIIMS) and police opened an investigation for “cyber terrorism” on Thursday as the country’s foremost government hospital remained crippled following a cyber attack that knocked offline patient services such as appointment booking, billing and diagnostics reporting.

The suspected ransomware attack has meant that the patients and doctors are unable to access records or test reports, even as experts flagged a potentially bigger problem if the hack also results in some of this data being accessed by the attacker.

“Various government agencies are investigating and supporting AIIMS in bringing back the digital patient care services. We hope to be able to restore the affected activities soon,” said an update issued by the administration.