UPDATE: Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Fell Victim to a Sophisticated Criminal Cyberattack

See our updated article HERE

MURFREESBORO, TENN. – UPDATED MAY 3, 2023: Murfreesboro Medical Clinic remains CLOSED on Wednesday after a recent criminal cyber-attack on their computer systems. The debilitating attack took place on April 22, 2023 and was described by MMC personnel as a “sophisticated criminal cyberattack.”

On Wednesday Morning, an email sent to WGNS stated, “We had hoped to have some walk-in services open today, but unfortunately our systems are not quite ready to bring back online. Therefore, all locations remain closed today, Wednesday May 3rd. We appreciate your patience and will continue to update you regarding openings."

Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (MMC) reported that in response, MMC rapidly initiated an emergency shut down of their network to limit the spread of the attack within their systems and their technology partners. Since that time, MMC reports they have been working with law enforcement agencies and third-party experts to identify the source and scope of the attack in order to restore normal clinic operations. MMC said their first priority was to contain the incident and protect patients and employees.

In conjunction with law enforcement, MMC continues to investigate the incident while also taking action on their infrastructure to, hopefully, prevent any further attacks. With the quick detection by MMC technology experts, officials believe they have been able to limit the impact of this criminal attack. MMC is currently in the process of restoring their systems safely with enhanced security features and controls. While that process is being undertaken, MMC has closed all operations and hopes to open on a limited basis by Wednesday, May 3rd, with the rest of their operations coming online shortly thereafter.*

Joey Peay, CEO of MMC, states: “Preserving sensitive patient and employee information is of the utmost importance to MMC, but like so many other organizations around the country and despite its best efforts, MMC has found itself as the target of criminals attempting to steal personal or company data. I want to thank our patients and employees for their understanding and patience while we work to make sure our computer infrastructure is secure and free of any harmful software.”

According to the MMC news release, “We have worked diligently to communicate closures with all patients in a timely manner using all methods of communication at our disposal. Future updates regarding clinic operations will be posted to our website, social media platforms, and through emails and phone calls directly to patients. We apologize for the vagueness of our recent communications, but we did not want to do anything that would impede law enforcement’s investigative efforts.”

Murfreesboro Medical Clinic further reported, “While we have not confirmed that any specific patient, employee, or corporate data was accessed or removed from our network, patients and employees of MMC are encouraged to monitor their personal data for any misuse. Personal data could include names, enrollment information such as group name, identification number, claims or treatment information such as claim numbers, dates of service, procedures, prescription information, dates of birth, email addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and, in some cases, social security numbers. Please note that MMC does not store credit card or bank account information within its network.”

For over 70 years, MMC has been dedicated to caring for the community. MMC has faced countless challenges over the years including natural disasters, a world-wide pandemic, and now, a highly sophisticated cyberattack.

MMC wrote on their website and social media pages, “With your continued support, we will overcome this criminal attack on MMC as we continue our commitment to the health of our community!”

UPDATED: Again, the re-opening date for MMC was targeted to be on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, but unfortunately that did not occur. MMC remains closed today (Wednesday, May 3, 2023), but will re-open soon.

*Please check the MMC website and social media pages for updates regarding hours of operation for Wednesday, May 3rd.

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