Last Dec. 1, cyber criminals launched an attack on PIH Health, severely disrupting its phone systems and many other applications and communications throughout its network. It could have been disastrous — but the health system was ready.
When the cyberattack hit, PIH Health Downey Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and Whittier Hospital began using ReddiNet’s satellite desktop VOIP (voice over internet protocol) phone system. Mandated by Los Angeles County Emergency Management Services through the Hospital Preparedness Program grant process, the satellite phone system became the main point of contact for two of the three hospitals.
“Its reliability and seamless functionality proved to be a lifeline during this emergency,” PIH Health stated. With normal communication channels compromised, the satellite phones allowed hospital staff to continue staying in close touch throughout the attack.
Based on that experience, PIH Health is further expanding use of the satellite VOIP phones across its three hospitals. “The reasonable cost and exceptional reliability of the ReddiNet satellite system make it a crucial addition to our communication infrastructure,” PIH Health noted, “and we are confident in its ability to support our hospitals in future emergencies.”
With Cybersecurity Awareness Month taking place this month, “Now is the perfect time to share PIH Health’s experience,” said Tammi McConnell, senior vice president, Reddinet, at HASC.
“My goal is to encourage all our hospitals and systems to make sure they’re ready for the inevitable disasters, both human-made and natural, that will impact your IT systems,” McConnell said. “For PIH Health, ReddiNet’s satellite communications service was a key part of their preparation and really saved the day. It proved invaluable and helped reduce the impact to their operations and patient care while their own systems were offline.”
The satellite VOIP phone service is air gapped from the hospital network to a satellite, so it works even when internet, landlines and cell phones are down. ReddiNet’s service includes up to five satellite phones per location that can be placed anywhere on a hospital campus reachable by cable. They work like standard phones, with unlimited domestic calling, and two or more phones can be used to communicate within your facility.
To learn more about ReddiNet’s satellite phone system, call (800) 440-7808 or visit www.reddinet.com.