The University of Mississippi Medical Center was the subject of a cyberattack Thursday morning, officials at the academic hospital confirmed.
“Due to a cybersecurity attack, many UMMC IT systems are down, including access to our electronic medical records, Epic,” a statement from UMMC reads.
The statement added that all UMMC clinic locations statewide are closed for the day, while outpatient and ambulatory surgeries, procedures, and imaging appointments will be rescheduled. Hospital services are continuing for the time being.
“We apologize for this unexpected disruption, and we will provide further updates as information is available.”
Before UMMC confirmed the cyberattack, multiple people with knowledge of the situation told SuperTalk Mississippi News that it had fallen victim to a cyberattack. Sources said the attack compromised UMMC’s website and some phone lines.
As of 9 a.m., UMMC’s website was still down. A call to an official regarding clarification on whether medical records have been leaked had not been returned by the time of publication. Sources close to the scene confirmed that the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are assisting in the investigation.
During a press conference late Thursday morning, UMMC officials said the attackers “have communicated to us.” The hospital is working with law enforcement on the next steps.
UMMC operates seven hospitals – including the state’s largest in Jackson – 35 clinics, and more than 200 telehealth sites statewide.