Software provider in vaccine clinical trials hit with ransomware attack

ERT, a medical technology company that sells software used in clinical trials, was hit with a ransomware attack in September, raising concerns about attacks on COVID-19 vaccine development efforts.

Some cybersecurity experts said the attack on ERT appears to be more motivated by money than by disruption, but others said the incident illustrates the threat to vaccine makers. Reportedly among ERT’s customers are IQVIA, a contract research organization helping to manage AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trial, and Bristol Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company working on a rapid test for the coronavirus.