FBI Investigating Virus That Took Major Hospital Chain Offline

Earlier today, healthcare provider MedStar Health, which operates nearly a dozen hospitals in the D.C. area and some 100 clinics, took its network offline after detecting the presence of a computer virus. Now the FBI is investigating.

MedStar revealed the virus in a post on Facebook earlier today.

The company said that after some users were unable to log into the MedStar network, its IT folks “acted quickly with a decision to take down all system interfaces to prevent the virus from spreading throughout the organization.”

The MedStar facilities remained open, using backup systems and — heaven forbid — paper, when necessary. The company says it currently has no evidence that any information has been compromised.

The FBI confirmed to WBAL-TV that it is aware of the situation and that the agency is “looking into the nature and scope of the matter.”

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.