Ransomware Attack Disrupts University of Mississippi Medical Center

Forced clinic closures and procedure cancellations as officials work to restore systems

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A ransomware attack targeting the University of Mississippi Medical Center forced the institution to close clinics and cancel elective procedures for a second consecutive day on Friday, as administrators and federal authorities worked urgently to assess the damage and restore critical systems. The cyberattack affected multiple network systems across the medical center, prompting officials to proactively shut down portions of its digital infrastructure to prevent further intrusion.

Why it matters

The disruption of elective procedures and outpatient services at the state's only academic medical center can create scheduling backlogs and financial strain for both patients and the institution. The incident also underscores the growing intersection between digital security and public health, where the stability of network systems can directly influence the delivery of care.

The details

University leaders said the ransomware attack has affected multiple network systems across the medical center, prompting officials to proactively shut down portions of its digital infrastructure to prevent further intrusion. The precautionary measures have significantly disrupted routine operations, including outpatient services and non-emergency procedures. Despite the widespread technological impact, hospital inpatient units and emergency departments remain open and are continuing to treat patients.

  • On Friday, the University of Mississippi Medical Center closed clinics and canceled elective procedures for a second consecutive day.
  • Officials warned that the operational shutdown could last several more days as cybersecurity specialists evaluate the scope of the breach and work to bring systems back online in a secure manner.

The players

University of Mississippi Medical Center

The state's only academic medical center and a major provider of specialized healthcare services, serving thousands of patients across Mississippi and the broader region.

LouAnn Woodward

Vice Chancellor and chief executive officer of the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Robert Eikhoff

Special agent in charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the region, working closely with the university on the response.

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What they’re saying

“We are focused first and foremost on ensuring that patients in our hospitals and emergency rooms receive safe and appropriate care.”

— LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor and chief executive officer (yournews.com)

“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 and chief executive officer (yournews.com)

“Our focus right now is getting them back up and running safely.”

— Robert Eikhoff, Special agent in charge (yournews.com)

What’s next

Officials are still determining whether sensitive patient data was accessed or exfiltrated during the attack, and will notify patients if evidence emerges that their information was exposed. The university is working closely with the FBI as part of the response, and authorities are conducting a forensic analysis to assess the full scope of the breach.

The takeaway

This ransomware attack highlights the growing vulnerability of healthcare institutions to cyber threats, where disruptions to digital infrastructure can directly impact the delivery of critical medical services. As hospitals and academic medical centers increasingly rely on interconnected systems, the stability of these networks has become a matter of public health concern.