A recent cyberattack targeted REMSA Health in Reno, Nevada, briefly disrupting its Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, though it has since been restored. The CAD system provides crucial support to emergency medical dispatchers, but it was the only system affected by the attack. Telephone services, which also play an essential role in emergency operations, remained unaffected, ensuring that communication channels stayed open. Despite this disruption, REMSA Health emphasized that patient care was not compromised at any point during the incident.
The cyberattack was detected by REMSA Health’s security and anti-virus programs, which identified a threat specifically targeting their isolated CAD system.
In response, employees were instructed to refrain from using their computers until the situation was fully assessed, ensuring that no further damage occurred. Affected systems were isolated to minimize the potential for further impact. REMSA Health took immediate steps to understand the scope of the attack and prevent any further operational interruptions.
According to Alexia Jobson, REMSA Health’s director of public relations, the cybersecurity incident did not affect other components of the organization’s operations. Emergency services such as the 9-1-1 ground ambulance and Care Flight air ambulance were unaffected by the attack, ensuring that patient care continued as normal without delays. This swift response by the organization reassured both the public and medical professionals that essential services were maintained throughout the incident.
In a letter to staff on February 5, REMSA Health’s Chief Operating Officer Adam Heinz confirmed the disruption, stating that the organization was following proper protocols to investigate the extent of the attack. Despite the temporary CAD system outage, REMSA Health assured the public that emergency medical operations remained fully functional. As they continue to assess the situation, the organization remains committed to safeguarding against future cybersecurity threats while maintaining the integrity of its services.
Reference:
