WHO and Global Leaders Warn Against Rise of Ransomware Attacks Targeting Hospitals

On November 8, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined over 50 countries in issuing an urgent warning at the United Nations about the increase in ransomware attacks on healthcare systems worldwide. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the critical risks these cyberattacks pose to public health and safety. He highlighted the growing frequency of attacks on hospitals, which could delay urgent care, disrupt essential services, and lead to life-threatening consequences. Calling for global cooperation, he described ransomware as an international security threat that demands a coordinated response. 

Ransomware is a form of cyberattack where hackers lock or encrypt a victim’s data and demand payment in exchange for releasing it. This form of digital extortion has escalated globally, affecting healthcare providers, institutions, and governments alike. In the healthcare sector, such attacks can be particularly devastating, compromising the safety of patients and healthcare workers. The joint statement, endorsed by nations such as Japan, South Korea, Argentina, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, outlined the immediate dangers these attacks pose to public health and international security, calling on all governments to take stronger cybersecurity measures.

The U.S., represented by Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger, directly blamed Russia for allowing ransomware groups to operate freely within its borders. 

According to Neuberger, some countries knowingl

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