Hospitals hit by ransomware: keep your own health records at home

Ransomware attacks kept hitting hospitals and health services in 2026. According to a TechTarget roundup, an attack at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center on Oct. 26 disrupted patient care and surgeries.

What happened

In February, the University of Mississippi Medical Center closed all 35 of its statewide clinics after a ransomware attack and canceled appointments, including chemotherapy, according to Connecticut Public. Hospitals and emergency departments stayed open, and staff used paper documentation. The roundup also cites Breachsense, which counted 953 companies on ransomware leak sites in October 2026.

What it means for your home

When a health system's computers are down, your medical information may be hard to reach quickly. Your own printed list of medicines, doctors and insurance details is a backup you control.

What to do this week

• Write down each family member's medicines, doses and prescribing doctor.
• Copy insurance cards and keep a paper set with your emergency papers.
• Ask your pharmacist whether an extra supply of prescriptions is allowed under your plan.
• Check the first aid kit and replace anything expired.
• Keep a digital copy of your medical records on a drive you control.

Build the basics with the main guide: Build a home medicine and first aid kit. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before changing any medicine supply.