Boston Scientific cyberattack: Cork staff asked to work remotely

The medical technology company Boston Scientific announced on 26 August that it has been targeted by a cyberattack, causing disruption to its IT systems and operations. The company, valued at $69 billion, disclosed the breach occurred on 25 August, as it proactively informed employees to work remotely from its three sites in Galway, Cork, and Clonmel.

Boston Scientific's global operations have been impacted, with the company unable to process and ship customer orders, according to its statement. The investigation into the attack continues, but no estimated timeline for resolution has been released. Shares of Boston Scientific dropped over 3% at the market close and slightly recovered in subsequent trading.

The company currently has around 7,000 employees worldwide. This incident marks the latest in a series of cyberattacks targeting pharmaceutical and medical technology firms, with other notable victims including Stryker, Healthdaq, Medtronic, West Pharmaceutical, Novo Nordisk, Amgen, and Abbott Laboratories. Reports from recent months indicate a rise in cyberattacks on medical devices, with 80% of affected firms reporting a moderate to significant impact on patient care.