Planned Parenthood of Montana Hit by Ransomware Attack, Services Impacted
On August 28, 2024, Planned Parenthood of Montana (PPMT) experienced a major cyberattack, attributed to the ransomware group RansomHub. The attackers claim to have stolen 93GB of sensitive data and are threatening to leak the information unless a ransom is paid. In response, PPMT immediately activated its incident response protocols, taking portions of its network offline to contain the breach. CEO Martha Fuller confirmed that the organization is working closely with cybersecurity experts and federal law enforcement, including the FBI, to investigate the extent of the intrusion and restore affected systems. While RansomHub has shared samples of administrative and financial documents, the potential exposure of more sensitive data, such as patient information, remains a pressing concern. The investigation into the breach and data theft is ongoing.
The cyberattack has also led to disruptions in PPMT’s services, particularly impacting its online scheduling system, which has been taken offline as a precautionary measure. Despite these challenges, Fuller praised the swift efforts of the IT team, noting their around-the-clock work to securely restore operations. Patients are being encouraged to call or visit in person to schedule appointments, as the organization works to minimize the impact of the breach on its healthcare services. RansomHub’s actions come amid broader warnings from federal agencies about its aggressive targeting of healthcare organizations, highlighting the increased risks for nonprofits like Planned Parenthood.