It looks like there is finally an end to the ransomware case that crippled a Hollywood hospital. As we've reported, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center's computer system was attacked, leaving the hosptial without access to its network. It was first reported that hackers wanted more than $3 million in Bitcoin, but hospital CEO Allen Stefanek released a statement revealing that the claims were false. Instead, Stefanek said that the hospital paid $17,000 in Bitcoin, and claimed that paying the ransom was the easiest way to restore the network. Stefanek said that all systems have been restored and all malware has been removed.
The attack, which began February 5th, reportedly took a major toll on both patients and staff. A doctor told NBC News Los Angeles that the staff had no access to email and were communicating via fax. The doctor also revealed that medical records for previous patients were unavailable, and that several patients were moved to different hospitals.