Critical Code Red: Ransomware Paralyses Belgian Hospital AZ Monica

In the early hours of January 13, a prominent Belgian medical institution was abruptly rendered near-paralyzed. AZ Monica, which maintains campuses in Antwerp and Deurne, fell victim to a cyber incursion that incapacitated its critical IT infrastructure. Consequently, dozens of surgical procedures were deferred, patients required urgent redistribution, and clinicians were temporarily divested of access to electronic health records.

During a press conference, the hospital’s Director-General, Geert Smits, disclosed that significant malfunctions were detected across multiple digital systems at approximately 6:32 AM. As a precautionary measure, the administration expeditiously deactivated several servers at both locations. The prosecutor’s office subsequently confirmed the incident as a cyberattack. Preliminary intelligence suggests the deployment of ransomware, although no formal ransom demands have been received as of yet.

This represents the inaugural incident of such magnitude for AZ Monica, and the operational impact has been profound. All elective surgeries and a substantial portion of medical screenings were postponed. Leadership asserted that patient safety and the continuity of care remained their paramount priorities. Approximately eighty operations were canceled, with an assurance that all affected individuals would be personally notified and rescheduled.

The disruption extended to diagnostic protocols as well. Given that nearly all hospital processes are inextricably linked to digital infrastructure, radiological assessments, medical imaging, endoscopy, and other diagnostic services were suspended. The majority of chemotherapy sessions were likewise deferred. Patients requiring immediate intervention were accommodated by the Antwerp University Hospital, and AZ Monica expressed profound gratitude to neighboring facilities for their swift support.

Patients already admitted for inpatient care continue to receive the necessary attention, and visitation rights remain unaffected. Nevertheless, seven patients in unstable condition, whose safety could not be guaranteed under current circumstances, were transferred to alternative medical institutions within the region.

The emergency department continues to operate at a diminished capacity, while mobile emergency units have been rendered temporarily inoperable. Although most outpatient consultations formally persist, physicians are navigating significant obstacles due to the absence of access to electronic medical records.

The underlying motives for the attack remain shrouded in ambiguity. The investigation is being spearheaded by the police, the prosecutor’s office, and the specialized cybercrime unit of the federal police. Hospital leadership maintains that a breach of sensitive patient data was averted solely through the timely deactivation of their servers.