Mississippi Hospital System Closes Clinics After Ransomware Attack

University of Mississippi Medical Center shuts down services as it investigates 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.

Why it matters

Ransomware attacks on healthcare systems are becoming increasingly common, disrupting critical patient care and putting sensitive data at risk. This incident highlights the vulnerability of hospitals to such cyber threats and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against them.

The details

The ransomware attack affected 'many systems' at the medical center, including its electronic health record platform. Hospitals and emergency rooms remain open, but the university is working with the FBI to determine if patient information was accessed by the attackers, who have communicated demands to the university.

  • The ransomware attack forced the University of Mississippi Medical Center to close clinics and cancel elective procedures on Thursday.
  • The medical center remained closed for a second day on Friday as it worked to evaluate the attack and restore its network systems.

The players

University of Mississippi Medical Center

A major academic medical center and hospital system in 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

“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

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

— Robert Eikhoff, FBI Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical need for healthcare systems to have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect against ransomware and other cyber threats that can disrupt vital patient services.