FBI director claims Iranian hackers tried to target Boston hospital last year to disrupt service
On Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray said hackers funded by the Iranian government attempted a “despicable” cyberattack on Boston Children’s Hospital that threatened to disrupt services to patient.
Wray, in a speech at a conference hosted by Boston College, detailed the incident as he warned of the growing threat of state-sponsored cyberattacks such as Iran, Russia and China poses to US companies and infrastructure.
“We received a report from one of our intelligence partners that Boston Children’s Hospital was about to be targeted, and understanding the urgency of the situation, the cyber control team,” said Wray. at our Boston field office ran out to notify the hospital,” Wray said.
The FBI said it contacted the hospital in August 2021, and Wray said officials were able to quickly get the information needed for the nationally renowned children’s hospital to “prevent immediate danger.” and reduce the threat.
“The swift actions of all involved, especially at the hospital, have protected both the network and the sick children who depend on it,” Wray said. speak in the most extensive disclosure by US authorities of the case.
Hike in March speak which Iranian-sponsored hackers in June 2021 infiltrated an unnamed children’s hospital.
Children’s Hospital Boston, a 395-bed facility, in a statement confirmed that the FBI and its staff were “proactively preventing the threat to our network.”
Wray called the incident “one of the most despicable” Cyber attack I’ve seen” and an example of the growing risk that hospitals and other critical infrastructure providers face from hackers, including those funded by the state.
“If malicious cyber actors intentionally cause destruction or hold data and systems for ransom, they tend to attack us somewhere really hurtful,” Wray said.
© Thomson Reuters 2022
