FBI warns ransomware assault threatens US healthcare system

BOSTON (AP) — Federal agencies say cybercriminals are unleashing a major ransomware assault against the U.S. healthcare system. Independent security experts say it has already hobbled at least five U.S. hospitals this week, and could potentially impact hundreds more. In a joint alert, the FBI and two federal agencies say they have credible information of an imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. hospitals and healthcare providers. They say malicious groups are targeting the sector with ransomware that could lead to data theft and disruption of healthcare services. Although the attacks coincide with the U.S. presidential election, there is no immediate indication they are motivated by anything but profit.