The New York Blood Center Data Breach Falls Victim to Ramsomeware

On January 26, 2025, the New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBC) discovered suspicious activity affecting its IT systems, which was confirmed to be a ransomware incident. This breach has significantly impacted the organization's operations, as it is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world, providing essential blood and stem cell products to hospitals and patients.

The breach involved unauthorized access to NYBC's systems, leading to the encryption of critical data. As a result, the organization had to take certain systems offline to contain the threat.

The exact number of individuals affected and the specific types of data compromised have not been disclosed. However, given the nature of NYBC's services, it is possible that sensitive personal and medical information could have been at risk.

The severity of this breach lies in its potential impact on NYBC's ability to continue providing crucial services to hospitals and patients. The organization is working diligently with third-party cybersecurity experts to restore its systems safely and efficiently.

NYBC's Response

In response to the breach, NYBC immediately engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate and contain the threat. The organization has been in direct communication with its hospital partners to implement workarounds that help restore services and fulfill orders. Law enforcement has also been notified about the incident.

NYBC has assured the public that it remains committed to its mission and is taking all necessary steps to address the situation. Blood donations are still being accepted, although processing times may be longer than usual. The organization has communicated with donor centers, sponsor organizations, and donors to keep them informed of any necessary changes or updates.

For individuals who may have been affected by the breach, it is advisable to monitor personal accounts and be vigilant for any signs of unusual activity. NYBC has not yet provided specific resources for affected individuals but continues to work on restoring systems and services.

About ​The New York Blood Center

Founded in 1964, the New York Blood Center is a nonprofit organization that serves as one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers globally. It supplies blood to approximately 200 hospitals in the Northeast United States and conducts research in hematology, blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular therapies.

NYBC operates the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute and the Howard P. Milstein National Cord Blood Center, contributing significantly to medical advancements. The organization employs nearly 1,000 local employees and collaborates with various institutions through its Comprehensive Cell Solutions division.