Medtech giant Stryker says it’s back up after Iranian cyberattack

The Handala group claimed responsibility for hitting the company with a wiper attack last month.

Medtech company Stryker says it’s back to being “fully operational,” three weeks after it became the most prominent victim to date of Iranian hackers, who said they attacked the Michigan-based company in retaliation over the conflict with the United States and Israel.

A March 11 wiper attack from the pro-Palestinian, Iranian government-connected group Handala damaged the company’s order processing, manufacturing and shipping. More recently, Handala claimed to compromise the data of FBI Director Kash Patel, although the FBI said no government information was taken.

“Production is moving rapidly toward peak capacity with discipline and stability, supported by restored commercial, ordering and distribution systems,” the company wrote in an update on its website Wednesday. “Overall product supply remains healthy, with strong availability across most product lines, as we continue to meet customer demand and support patient care.”

Stryker said it continues to work with outside cyber experts, government agencies and industry partners on its investigation and recovery.

“Patient care remains our highest priority, with a continued focus on supporting healthcare providers and the patients they serve,” it said. “This remains a 24/7 effort and the first priority of our entire organization.”

Iranian hackers have been busy since the U.S.-Israel strikes began, but have claimed few successes in the United States. Handala boasted this week about an attack on St. Joseph County, Indiana, where officials said they were investigating a hack of its external fax service.

This week, Handala also claimed to have penetrated the systems of Israel’s air defense systems and leaked documents about it. But Handala also has been accused of overselling its deeds.

The FBI seized some websites associated with Handala last month, and the State Department has offered a reward for information on the hacking group.

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