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The recent ransomware attack on ChipSoft has caused significant disruptions in Dutch and Belgian hospitals, affecting vital digital services. If you're worried about your medical information and the continuity of your healthcare, you're not alone. This blog will equip you with information on what has happened, what systems are impacted, and the steps you should take to safeguard your health data and stay in touch with your care providers.
Understanding the ChipSoft Ransomware Attack
If you’re following the news from Dutch or Belgian hospitals, you’ve likely heard about the ransomware attack that hit ChipSoft Healthcare. ChipSoft provides essential digital health systems to many hospitals in the region, meaning disruptions aren’t just technical—they directly affect patient care and access to vital health information.
So what exactly happened? In late May 2026, ChipSoft’s digital infrastructure was targeted by a sophisticated ransomware group. Ransomware is a type of cyberattack where criminals lock access to computer systems and data, demanding payment for their release. In this case, the attack led to widespread outages of ChipSoft’s electronic health record (EHR) platforms and associated services. Hospitals in both the Netherlands and Belgium suddenly found themselves unable to access patient data, schedule appointments, or run certain diagnostic or pharmacy systems.
The impact has been immediate and very real. Healthcare workers who depend on ChipSoft’s platform for things like medication management, patient histories, and scheduling are now forced to use paper records or manual systems. Patients have experienced appointment delays, rescheduled procedures, and longer waiting times. Some emergency services briefly reverted to phone and fax communications as digital messaging was inaccessible.
Cybersecurity experts and hospital IT teams are working around the clock to assess which systems are compromised and to restore them safely. Authorities have not yet disclosed the full details of the ransom demand or whether any sensitive medical data has been stolen. However, it’s clear the effects of the attack reverberate beyond technical inconvenience—the continuity of care and the privacy of patient data are at risk.
As the situation unfolds, staying informed about which ChipSoft-connected services and facilities are affected is vital. In the next section, we’ll detail exactly which services are offline, what’s uncertain, and how hospitals are adapting in real time.
Confirmed Service Outages and Uncertainties
As the ChipSoft ransomware incident unfolds, several key hospital functions have been taken offline—impacting both patients and healthcare professionals.
What’s Currently Offline
The following digital services and platforms have been directly affected by the attack:
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) Access: Many hospitals cannot access ChipSoft’s patient records, meaning all patient data, medication histories, and care plans are temporarily unavailable electronically.
- Appointment and Scheduling Systems: Digital scheduling tools are down, forcing hospitals to reschedule appointments, sometimes with little notice to patients.
- Prescription and Pharmacy Systems: In several facilities, electronic prescribing has stalled. Some pharmacies are unable to process or verify patient prescriptions through the digital platform.
- Diagnostic and Laboratory Systems: Some hospitals report interrupted access to lab results and imaging records, slowing down diagnoses and treatment adjustments.
- Internal Communication Tools: Messaging systems embedded within the ChipSoft platform have gone dark, pushing staff to rely on generic email, fax, or telephone.
Affected Hospitals and Regions
The scope of outages is especially severe in:
- The Netherlands: Multiple regional and university hospitals report major service disruption.
- Belgium: Several Belgian hospitals using ChipSoft’s HIS and EHR modules are also impacted, with some shifting to backup procedures.
Not every institution using ChipSoft is equally affected—some have hybrid systems or alternative backups in place, resulting in varying degrees of disruption.
Uncertainties and Provider Response
While digital recovery teams are working to restore connectivity, uncertainties remain:
- Unknown Data Exposure: It’s not yet publicly confirmed whether patient health records have been breached or copied by the attackers.
- Restoration Timeline: Hospitals have yet to share firm estimates for when electronic services will return. Progress updates are expected as forensic investigations advance.
- Workarounds in Care Delivery: Many facilities are implementing temporary procedures—such as manual charting and backup appointment scheduling—though these may lead to delays or errors.
Hospitals are communicating with patients via alternative means, reminding them to bring physical records if possible and to expect temporary disruptions in care.
If you depend on one of these affected services or hospitals, keep in touch with your care provider by phone or email, and monitor their official updates for the latest on service restoration and safety precautions.
Protecting Your Medical Information
With digital health systems under pressure, your personal medical information demands careful handling. While hospitals and cybersecurity teams are working to fortify their defenses, there are several practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your own privacy and resist common cyber threats targeting healthcare patients.
Steps to Safeguard Your Health Data
- Update Passwords for Patient Portals: Even if hospital portals are temporarily offline, update your passwords as soon as systems are back online. Use a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols—avoid reusing old passwords.
- Monitor Health Records for Unusual Activity: After systems are restored, periodically check your health portal or ask your provider about recent logins and activity. Notify your care team immediately if something seems off.
- Secure Home Devices: Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer used for accessing health records has the latest software updates and strong passwords.
- Store Printed Records Securely: If you’ve received printed lab results or prescriptions due to digital outages, keep them in a safe, private place to avoid accidental disclosure.
Recognizing Healthcare-Related Phishing Attempts
Ransomware incidents often lead to a spike in phishing—fraudulent messages disguised as legitimate requests. Here’s how to spot and avoid them:
- Check the Sender: Messages claiming to be from your hospital or doctor but sent from unfamiliar or unofficial email addresses are suspect.
- Watch for Urgency: Be wary of emails, texts, or calls pressuring you to click a link, share your login details, or provide personal data urgently.
- Verify Links and Attachments: Never open attachments or follow links from unknown sources. If in doubt, call your hospital using the official phone number—not one included in the message.
- Cross-Check Alerts: Many hospitals are now posting official updates on their websites or through trusted channels. Double-check any message directing you to "update your health portal" or "reset your password" with what’s published by your provider.
Staying alert and taking these precautions not only keeps your health information private but also helps the wider healthcare system recover safely and more quickly from cyber threats.
Staying Connected with Your Healthcare Provider
Staying in touch with your care team becomes more challenging during a ransomware incident, but it’s far from impossible. With digital health services interrupted, it’s important to know your options and keep communication lines open.
How to Reach Your Care Team
- Phone Calls Remain Reliable: Most hospitals maintain dedicated phone lines for appointments, urgent questions, and care coordination. If you’re unsure of the best number, use the contact information on your hospital’s official website or recent written communication.
- Email as a Backup: Many practices still monitor email during outages. Stick to official addresses listed on the hospital’s or clinic’s website. Avoid clicking on links unless you’re certain they’re legitimate, as phishing attempts often increase in these scenarios.
- In-Person Visits for Priority Needs: For urgent concerns—like prescription renewals, report pickups, or time-sensitive follow-ups—in-person visits to designated hospital desks or clinics may be necessary. Check facility updates for current hours and procedures.
- Postal Mail: If electronic records are unavailable, some hospitals temporarily revert to sending test results, appointment reminders, or information packets by mail.
Adapting to Disrupted Communication
- Prepare for Delays: Staff may take longer to respond as they handle higher call volumes and manual processes. Patience and persistence help everyone move forward.
- Document Your Needs: Note questions in advance, bring recent health records with you if possible, and clarify any actions after each conversation or visit.
- Stay Updated: Hospitals often post the latest service updates and communication guidance on their websites or social media pages. Subscribe to email updates or check frequently for new instructions.
For ongoing care, keep a backup list of your healthcare contacts, medications, and appointment histories updated in a secure, offline location. Flexibility is key: communication channels may shift quickly as digital systems come back online or as new workarounds are implemented.
