UPDATE: Read our latest coverage of the UMMC cyberattack here.

Original story:

A cyberattack on the IT systems at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has led to the closure of all the medical system’s clinics across the state. The attack this morning has affected the provider’s access to its electronic medical records system, Epic, leaving doctors unable to access patient health information necessary for normal operations.

All outpatient and ambulatory surgeries and imaging appointments are cancelled and will be rescheduled, but hospital and emergency services are still active under “downtime procedures.” Other administrative functions, like billing and the hospital’s websites are also affected. UMMC’s phone system is also compromised, with many hospital and clinical numbers unable to take calls.

A press conference at 11 a.m. is scheduled to discuss the cyberattacks. The nature of the attacks was not made clear in initial reports.

Investigative Reporter Nick Judin joined the Jackson Free Press in 2019, initially covering the 2020 legislative session before spearheading the outlet's COVID-19 coverage. Now at the Mississippi Free Press, his award-winning coverage of the Jackson Water Crisis, mass evictions in rural Mississippi, and the Trump administration's deportation regime has earned international recognition. He continues to travel the state, covering poverty, corruption, infrastructure and immigration.