Mississippi hospital system closes clinics after ransomware attack

University of Mississippi Medical Center shuts down services as it works to restore systems and evaluate data breach

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been forced to close clinics and cancel elective procedures for a second day due to a ransomware attack. University officials warn the shutdown could continue for days as they work to evaluate the extent of the attack and restore their network systems, which were taken down as a precaution. Hospitals and emergency rooms remain open, but the attack has affected many of the medical center's systems, including the electronic health record platform.

Why it matters

Ransomware attacks on healthcare systems can have devastating impacts, disrupting critical patient care and potentially exposing sensitive personal information. This incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity threats facing the medical industry and the need for robust security measures to protect against such attacks.

The details

The ransomware attack forced the University of Mississippi Medical Center to close clinics and cancel elective procedures. University officials say they are working to determine if patient data was accessed by the attackers, who have communicated with the university, though the specific demands are unknown. The FBI is assisting the medical center in its response and investigation, with the priority being to restore systems and patient care.

  • The attack occurred on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The medical center was forced to close clinics and cancel procedures for a second day on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

University of Mississippi Medical Center

A major hospital system in Mississippi that was the target of a ransomware attack, forcing it to close clinics and cancel elective procedures.

LouAnn Woodward

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, who provided updates on the ransomware attack and the medical center's response.

Robert Eikhoff

The FBI Special Agent in Charge who is assisting the University of Mississippi Medical Center with the investigation and response to the ransomware attack.

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What they’re saying

“Some of us in the room have been here long enough that we remember taking care of patients with pen and paper.”

— LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor, University of Mississippi Medical Center (Associated Press)

“The FBI's top priority is getting systems back up to restore patient care.”

— Robert Eikhoff, FBI Special Agent in Charge (Associated Press)

What’s next

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is working with the FBI to investigate the ransomware attack and restore its systems, with the goal of reopening clinics and resuming normal operations as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This ransomware attack on a major healthcare system underscores the growing threat of cybercrime targeting the medical industry, which can have severe consequences for patient care and data security. It highlights the need for hospitals and medical centers to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks and ensure the continuity of critical healthcare services.