Tag: SickKids

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Notorious ransomware gang apologizes for SickKids cyberattack

LockBit has apologized for a ransomware attack at SickKids hospital.

The attack first came to the hospital’s attention on December 18th. It impacted patient care and led to delays in teams accessing lab and imaging results. The Toronto institution is the largest pediatric hospital in Canada.

The apology, first spotted by cybersecurity analyst Dominic Alvieri on December 31st, says a LockBit “partner” was behind the attack.

“We formally apologize for the attack on sikkids.ca [sic],” the statement states. LockBit provided the medical institution with a free decryptor after the attack encrypted some systems at the hospital.

SickKids acknowledged the apology in a January 1st statement and stated they’re working with a third party to validate the decryptor. The hospital has already restored 60 percent of its systems.

“There is no evidence to date that personal information or personal health information has been impacted. SickKids has not made a ransomware payment,” the statement states.

Source: Dominic Alvieri/ SickKids

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Ransomware attack at SickKids impacting patient wait times

A ransomware attack at the Hospital for Sick Children is leading to longer patient wait times.

Teams are facing delays in accessing lab and imaging results, and it could be weeks before systems are back to functioning at a normal pace.

“Clinical and operational teams are implementing backup procedures for systems that are not yet accessible,” the hospital says in a December 22nd statement.

The Toronto hospital says it became aware of the attack on December 18th and was prepared to quickly handle the evolving situation.

“SickKids has been preparing for attacks of this nature and mobilized quickly to mitigate potential impacts to the continuity of care. We have rapidly engaged with third-party expert organizations and law enforcement to bring a resolution to the situation as quickly as possible.”

There’s no evidence the breach impacted personal information.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: SickKids

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Samsung Canada partners with SickKids and Ryan Reynolds to raise money for fundraiser

Samsung Canada is partnering with SickKids for the third consecutive year to support one of the annual Sweater Love fundraising campaigns. In addition, the campaign sees Canadian actors Ryan Reynolds and Seth Rogen join the fold, offering support of their own.

Once again, Samsung Canada is providing support to the SickKids Foundation by being a matching gift partner. Throughout the campaign, the company is matching donations made by the public. From now until midnight on December 24th, Samsung Canada will match contributions by up to a $100,000 maximum.

Over the course of the Sweater Love fundraising campaign, Samsung will also donate $1 for every online purchase made at Samsung.com. The company is offering to donate up to $10,000 within the same window of time. 

“We’re incredibly proud to step up once again to support critical fundraising for SickKids this holiday season,” Jennifer Groh, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing and Citizenship, Samsung Canada says in a statement. “Thank you to all Canadians who come together to support this important cause, which makes an unparalleled impact in helping children and families get the help they need every day.”

In a video published to help spread awareness, Deadpool’s Reynolds dons an ugly holiday sweater voiced by none other than Rogen. The two share some delightful banter and even introduce a one-second clip from Toronto Maple Leafs’ Austin Matthews. The video then directs those looking to support to make a donation on the “Help Ryan Help SickKids” page. 

More information on Samsung’s involvement can be found here. 

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Ryan Reynolds brings back holiday sweater campaign for SickKids

Canada’s Ryan Reynolds is launching another holiday campaign for The Hospital for Sick Children, in Toronto, Ontario.

This year there are scrubs that match Reynolds’ signature ugly sweater. 5,000 staff members will receive replica t-shirts and patients will also be given ugly-sweater-themed blankets.

If you donate before midnight on December 24th, Samsung Canada will match all donations up to $100,000.

Image credit: @sickkids

Source: CTV News