Mississippi medical center closes all clinics after ransomware attack

Bleeping Computer

by Sergiu Gatlan

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) closed all its clinic locations statewide on Thursday following a ransomware attack that disrupted its IT systems and forced the cancellation of outpatient appointments. The cyberattack impacted Epic electronic medical records, leading to downtime procedures being implemented for hospital services. While inpatient care continued uninterrupted, UMMC shut down all network systems as part of its emergency response plan. UMMC, one of Mississippi's largest employers with over 10,000 employees, operates seven hospitals, 35 clinics, and more than 200 telehealth sites across the state. The attack occurred just days after a similar incident at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) healthcare system, which also faced significant disruptions due to a cyberattack. The medical center is collaborating with federal authorities, including the FBI and CISA, to assess the situation. UMMC officials confirmed that clinical equipment remained functional, and patient care was not compromised. However, the extent of the data stolen during the attack remains under investigation, raising concerns about potential ransom demands and the use of stolen information as leverage. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in healthcare IT infrastructure and the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting critical public services. As ransomware continues to evolve, organizations must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data and ensure uninterrupted care delivery. The closure of UMMC clinics underscores the broader challenge of balancing modern

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Originally published on Bleeping Computer on 2/20/2026