Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Targeted in Cyberattack

LOS ANGELES, CA - A ransomware cyberattack targeted computers at the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, it was reported today.

Department spokesman Michael Wilson told the Los Angeles Times that remnants of ransomware were found on five computers on Wednesday, but operations were unaffected. Ransomware is malware that restricts access to files or network until the victim pays the ransom demanded.

The attack was reported to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, according to The Times.

The report comes weeks after Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center paid $17,000 in untraceable virtual currency known as Bitcoin to free some patient records held hostage in another ransomware cyberattack.

There was no indication the attacks were related.

Officials at the county health department did not immediately respond to after-hours messages seeking comment.

Correction: Due to a reporting error, the department targeted was misidentified.

RELATED: Hollywood Hospital Pays Hacker’s Ransom

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock