Update: Recent global ransomware attack

This weekend, a global ransomware attack affected hospitals in the United Kingdom, as well as other organizations around the world. Please be advised that there are no reports of large-scale infections in the U.S. and no reports of any impact to the university or to Michigan Medicine.

The vast majority of the Michigan Medicine's faculty and staff use computers and systems managed by Health Information Technology & Services (HITS) so that they are protected from this type of attack. Nevertheless, the Information Assurance group is continuing to take this threat seriously and monitor the situation.

This is also a good reminder of the importance of safe computing practices both at work and at home and why HITS is undertaking a number of safeguards to secure Michigan Medicine's systems and networks.

What you can do

It is essential to keep your personally-owned devices updated, as recommended on the U-M Safe Computing website.

As a member of the U-M community, there are several things you can do to prevent becoming the victim of these types of attacks:

• Protect your personally-owned devices:
  • Anti-virus protection: Use anti-virus software.
  • Updates and patches: Update your computer and/or systems on a regular basis.

• Learn about phishing and ransomware:
  • Do not open suspicious links: The current attack and many other types of malware are spread by suspicious links and attachments. Unless you are expecting it, do not open it.

• Report It:
  • If you believe you have received a suspicious phishing e-mail, report it.
  • Report potential serious IT security incidents as well.

• Stay informed:
  • Keep apprised of IT security alerts and phishing alerts on the Safe Computing website.

If you have any questions, please contact the HITS Service Desk at 734-936-8000 or msishelp@umich.edu.