The blood community has responded to the OneBlood, a member of America’s Blood Centers (ABC), ransomware event. OneBlood announced that it was the target of a ransomware event in a July 31st statement. The blood center explained that, “OneBlood is working closely with cyber security specialists, and also federal, state, and local agencies as part of their comprehensive response to the situation. 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 of the event. Our comprehensive response efforts are ongoing, and we are working diligently to restore full functionality to our systems as expeditiously as possible,” said Susan Forbes, senior vice president of corporate communications and public relations at OneBlood, in the statement regarding the OneBlood ransomware event.
The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism “activated” in the wake of the OneBlood ransomware event. A July 31st Task Force statement noted that, “[b]lood centers across the country are providing additional support to OneBlood during this time, sending thousands of units of blood and platelets to ensure patient needs continue to be met. In addition, OneBlood and the Task Force are exploring short- and mid-term solutions to meet blood supply needs as these issues get resolved. Hospitals should contact their primary blood supplier with questions. The blood community remains committed to collaborating to ensure patient blood needs are met during this time, but summer months often see reductions in blood donations. Eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate to help ensure a readily available blood supply across the country.”
ABC commends the response of its member blood centers and the blood community in ensuring patient demand is met in the aftermath of the OneBlood ransomware event. We will continue to provide support through the Task Force and will pass along updates as they are made available.