The National Cancer Institute (Inca) in Rio de Janeiro faced a significant cybersecurity threat last Saturday when a hacker attack infiltrated its technology system. In response, security programs were activated, necessitating the temporary suspension of technology services to prevent potential damage. Notably, the radiotherapy sector had to be temporarily halted, and the resumption of services is contingent upon ensuring the system’s security. Although scheduled appointments continue manually through handwritten notes on patient progress and prescriptions, the institute remains committed to closely monitoring its IT team’s efforts to safeguard public service and resume regular appointments.
Despite the cyberattack’s impact on technology services, Inca emphasizes that crucial medical operations, including hospitalizations, surgeries, chemotherapy sessions, and the operation of the intensive care center (ICC), continue to operate normally. The institute maintains its dedication to the health and well-being of patients, their families, and employees.
A statement released by Inca reassures the public of its commitment, stating that they are closely monitoring the IT team’s work to ensure that public services are not adversely affected, and appointments can be resumed promptly once security is restored to the system. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges healthcare institutions face in safeguarding critical systems against cyber threats, necessitating continuous vigilance and response measures.
