02/21/2026

Ransomware attack cripples UMMC Servers prompting shutdown

Cybersecrutiy Insiders

A ransomware attack has reportedly disrupted the operations of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), forcing widespread service cancellations across the state. While critical emergency services such as ambulances continued operating, staff were required to shift to manual procedures to maintain patient care. The incident significantly impacted routine healthcare delivery, highlighting the growing vulnerability of medical institutions to cyber threats.

According to officials, outpatient appointments, ambulatory surgeries, eye care visits, and imaging services were cancelled statewide on Thursday, with further updates pending. The disruption affected dozens of facilities, including 35 UMMC clinics located throughout Mississippi. This marks the fourth major cyber incident targeting healthcare organizations in the state over the past three years and the second to result in the closure of multiple UMMC clinics.

LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, confirmed that the attack compromised systems linked to the hospital’s electronic medical records platform. Recovery efforts are currently focused on restoring the EPIC servers that manage patient data, scheduling, and clinical documentation. Although officials acknowledged the ransomware attack, they did not disclose the identity of the group responsible.