Ransomware attack shuts down Mississippi clinics

University of Mississippi Medical Center forced to close all clinics and cancel elective procedures

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A ransomware attack has forced the University of Mississippi Medical Center to close all of its roughly three dozen clinics around the state and cancel elective procedures for a second day. University officials are working to evaluate the extent of the attack, including whether patients' sensitive information was compromised, and restore network systems they took down as a precaution.

Why it matters

Ransomware attacks on healthcare systems can have devastating impacts, disrupting critical patient care and potentially exposing sensitive medical data. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of cybercrime targeting the healthcare industry and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient information and ensure continuity of care.

The details

The ransomware attack affected "many systems" at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, including the electronic health record platform. Health care providers were forced to take down information manually as a result. Investigators are trying to determine whether patients' private information was accessed, and the university is working with the FBI to restore systems and patient care.

  • The ransomware attack occurred on February 21, 2026.
  • The clinics were forced to close and cancel elective procedures for a second day on February 21, 2026.

The players

University of Mississippi Medical Center

A healthcare system that operates roughly three dozen clinics across the state of Mississippi.

LouAnn Woodward

Vice Chancellor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Robert Eikhoff

FBI Special Agent in Charge.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The university is working with the FBI to investigate the extent of the ransomware attack and restore network systems in order to resume normal operations and patient care.

The takeaway

This ransomware attack on a major healthcare system highlights the ongoing threat of cybercrime targeting the medical industry and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services.