Texas Tech Health Network Acknowledges Cyberattack After Weeks-Long IT Outage
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has confirmed that a cyberattack is responsible for the ongoing IT outages affecting its campuses in Amarillo, El Paso, and Lubbock, Texas. The disruptions, which began in late September 2024, initially led to delays in patient care, student coursework, and administrative functions. Although TTUHSC clinics and pharmacies remain operational, they are functioning at reduced capacity, with patients unable to access medical records, schedule procedures, or refill prescriptions. The health network's acknowledgment of a cyberattack comes after weeks of service interruptions without a clear explanation, sparking concern among affected patients and staff.
Many patients, particularly in El Paso, report difficulty obtaining medications and undergoing necessary medical procedures due to the system outage. In some cases, individuals recovering from surgeries have been left without essential follow-up care. TTUHSC officials have not disclosed whether any sensitive patient or student data has been compromised, as the investigation remains ongoing. The university and its affiliated medical partners are working to restore full functionality, but a timeline for resolution has not yet been provided. The acknowledgment of a cyberattack raises concerns about the extent of the breach and its long-term impact on healthcare services in the region.