A devastating ransomware attack has struck OneBlood, one of the largest blood donation organizations in the southeastern United States, significantly hampering its operations. With its systems compromised, OneBlood is struggling to maintain its services, prompting hundreds of hospitals in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina to activate critical blood shortage protocols.

The cyberattack has forced the nonprofit to implement slower, manual processes, further straining the blood supply chain.

As OneBlood works tirelessly with cybersecurity experts and government officials to resolve the crisis, the urgency for blood donations has reached a critical level. The national blood community has rallied in support, but the need for O-positive, O-negative, and platelet donations remains vital.

Why It Matters: The ransomware attack on OneBlood is part of a troubling trend affecting both the blood provision community and the broader healthcare industry. Just one week ago, Synnovis, a leading blood test provider in the UK, was similarly targeted, resulting in the cancellation of over 1,000 critical surgeries. These successful ransomware attacks not only disrupt healthcare operations but also jeopardize national health resources.

• Disrupted Operations: The ransomware attack has forced OneBlood to operate at a significantly reduced capacity, relying on manual processes that slow down blood collection, testing, and distribution. Over 250 hospitals in the southeast have activated critical blood shortage protocols, conserving blood for emergencies and potentially delaying elective surgeries.

• Community Mobilization: The national blood community and AABB Disaster Task Force are sending blood and platelets to OneBlood, emphasizing the urgent need for donations, especially O-positive and O-negative blood types.

• Call for Donations: OneBlood urges eligible donors to make appointments immediately to help replenish their blood supply. The situation highlights the fragile nature of healthcare resources and the critical need for community support.

• Cybersecurity Response: OneBlood is collaborating with cybersecurity specialists and federal and state officials to address the attack. The investigation is ongoing, with no immediate indication of personal data breaches.

Go Deeper -> Ransomware Attack on Major US Blood Center Prompts Hundreds of Hospitals to Implement Shortage Protocols – The Record

Ransomware Attack Hits Blood Donation Nonprofit – Tech Target