Ransomware attack hits blood donation center that services 350 hospitals [Video]

A cyberattack on the nonprofit blood donation center OneBlood is stifling operations at an organization that normally services more than 350 hospitals across four states, the organization announced on Wednesday.

The breach, which was first reported by CNN, targeted OneBlood’s software system and is being investigated as a ransomware event — where hackers break into a company’s online network and essentially block access to important files until a ransom is paid.

OneBlood, which is based in Orlando, said it is working with cybersecurity specialists as well as federal, state and local authorities as they move ahead with a “comprehensive response” to the attack. While donation centers are continuing to collect, test and distribute blood, the organization noted that “they are operating at a significantly reduced capacity.”

“OneBlood takes the security of our network extremely seriously. Our team reacted quickly to assess our systems and began an investigation to confirm the full nature and scope …