A ransomware attack is impacting the software system of OneBlood, a blood donation non-profit that serves hundreds of hospitals in the southeastern U.S.
“Our team reacted quickly to assess our systems and began an investigation to confirm the full nature and scope of the event. Our comprehensive response efforts are ongoing and we are working diligently to restore full functionality to our systems as expeditiously as possible,” said Susan Forbes, OneBlood senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations.
OneBlood Reverts to Manual Processes
OneBlood said it continues to collect, test and distribute blood, but its operations are at “a significantly reduced capacity.”
The non-profit has implemented manual processes and procedures as a business continuity plan and to remain operational. But these processes take significantly longer to perform and impacts inventory availability.
“In an effort to further manage the blood supply we have asked the more than 250 hospitals we serve to activate their critical blood shortage protocols and to remain in that status for the time being,” said Forbes.
The national blood community is assisting OneBlood and the hospitals and patients it serves to manage the flow of supplies. Blood centers across the country are also lending a helping hand by sending sending blood and platelets to OneBlood.
The AABB Disaster Task Force is coordinating national resources to assist with additional blood products being sent to OneBlood.
OneBlood said that all blood types are needed, but there is a more urgent requirement for O Positive, O Negative and Platelet donations, at the moment, as these are universal donor groups and are medically considered safe for all patients.
“The blood supply cannot be taken for granted. The situation we are dealing with is ongoing. If you are eligible to donate, we urge you to please make an appointment to donate as soon as possible,” Forbes said.
Similar to Ransomware Attack on NHS England
A similar ransomware incident impacted two major London hospitals in June, which disrupted its blood sampling operations and reduced testing volume by 96%. The two hospitals are still reeling through the aftermath of the ransomware attack from Russian Qilin ransomware actors nearly two months later, with thousands of surgeries and emergency operations postponed or being shifted to other facilities.
As seen in the case of OneBlood, the NHS at the time made a similar O blood group donation request as the attack caused significant disruption on the hospitals’ ability to match patients’ blood types. It is not clear if the two attacks are linked.
Editors Note: This is an evolving situation and the article will be updated with any additional information.
