Massachusetts Hospital Hit by Cyberattack—Emergency Protocols Activated

A non-profit healthcare provider in the Gardner area recently experienced a significant cybersecurity incident that impacted its operations. On October 12, Heywood Hospital’s network was disrupted as a result of a cybersecurity breach, temporarily taking much of its digital infrastructure offline per its emergency protocols.

According to a post on the hospital’s Facebook page, a temporary “Code Black” was enacted. This means that services were temporarily diverted due to an issue with resources.

Due to this breach, the hospital’s phone and scheduling system, imaging systems, and laboratory were taken offline. Ambulances that would normally have been sent there were diverted to alternate locations. While this was going on, their facilities were still in operation and were able to continue normal patient care and walk-in service.

“While certain systems are not currently available, Heywood Hospital, Athol Hospital, and Heywood Medical Group are open and safely caring for patients,” their Facebook page posted.

While the exact nature of the incident was not publicly revealed, the hospital’s IT team worked in collaboration with experts to restore its systems.

This incident is another reminder for businesses of all types to take precautions when dealing with ever-growing digital dependence:

• Preparedness is essential: Having a tested incident response plan can make the difference between a temporary disruption and a full-blown crisis.
• Staff training matters: Employees are often the first line of defense. Regular cybersecurity awareness training is critical.
• Communication is key: Transparent updates and alternative contact methods help maintain trust during outages.
• Third-party support is valuable: External experts can accelerate recovery and provide insights beyond internal capabilities.

Heywood Healthcare’s swift response and continued patient care amid a cyberattack demonstrate resilience and preparedness.