WHO and Global Leaders Warn of Ransomware Threats to Hospitals

The World Health Organization (WHO) and over 50 countries issued a stark warning at the United Nations regarding the increasing threat of ransomware attacks on hospitals, Arab News reported yesterday.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that such cyberattacks pose life-and-death risks, highlighting a significant rise in frequency and scale targeting the healthcare sector.

The joint statement, supported by nations including South Korea, Ukraine, and several European countries, condemned these attacks as direct threats to public safety, endangering lives by delaying critical health services and causing substantial economic damage.

During the meeting, U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Anne Neuberger specifically blamed Russia for harboring ransomware actors, stating that some nations, particularly Russia, allow these criminals to operate with impunity. France and South Korea also pointed the finger at North Korea.

In response, Russia dismissed the meeting as an inappropriate use of the Security Council’s resources, suggesting that discussions should focus on other pressing issues, such as attacks on hospitals in Gaza.