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Firsthealth’s computer system is recovering from a malware attack that began Tuesday. The malware virus, WannaCry, has been hitting business systems across the globe. 

FirstHealth’s computer network experienced a downtime event that began Tuesday, October 17 at 2:15 p.m. due to a threat from a malware virus. FirstHealth’s Information System team immediately identified the threat and implemented security protocols, including shut down of the information system network, according to a news release from FirstHeath.

David Kilarski

At that time, staff initiated standard downtime procedures. Out of an abundance of caution, FirstHealth remains on downtime, as the Information System team validates that all systems and devices have been tested and cleared of any threat.

FirstHealth has more than 4,000 devices and more than 100 physical locations connected to its network, and each are being thoroughly checked to ensure there is no virus risk. As a result of the quick response by the Information System security team, the virus did not reach any patient information, operational information or databases. Patient information has not been compromised. At this time, it appears that no damage has occurred to the network or devices, according to FirstHealth’s CEO, David Kilarski.

The virus was a new form of the WannaCry virus. An anti-virus patch has been developed specifically for this virus and is being implemented throughout the FirstHealth system. This patch will be added to anti-virus software available for others in the industry to apply to their systems.

It should be noted that this was in no way related to our Epic system. Access to Epic, like all our other systems was blocked in order to prevent the virus from impacting that system. FirstHealth MyChart is accessible. However, the information has not been updated since the downtime event, according to the release.

FirstHealth is experiencing some delays and appointment cancellations as a result of the downtime event. This does not apply to critical and emergent needs.

Kilarski apologized for any inconvenience this has caused and assured everyone his team is working tirelessly to remediate the virus and get their system back up to be fully operational. 

 

 

 

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