Boston Scientific disclosed on Wednesday that a cyberattack affecting its information technology systems has disrupted operations worldwide. The medical-device maker said the intrusion began Tuesday and has restricted access to some information systems and business applications.
The company disclosed the incident in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, according to reports from TechCrunch and The Register. Boston Scientific said it brought in external cybersecurity specialists to investigate and contain the attack.
Order fulfillment faces potential delays
Boston Scientific warned that the systems disruption could delay the processing and shipping of customer orders. It did not identify which applications remain unavailable or detail how widely the restrictions have affected its business units.
Investors reacted quickly. Boston Scientific shares fell more than 4% in Wednesday morning trading after the disclosure. The company makes medical devices, and delays across its ordering and shipping operations can affect customers waiting for products that support clinical care.
The incident also adds to a pattern of cyber disruptions in the medical-device sector. Recent attacks have interrupted operations at Stryker and Medtronic, putting fresh attention on the industry’s reliance on interconnected business systems to move products through its supply chain.
Boston Scientific has not set a recovery date
Boston Scientific has not said whether the intrusion affected medical devices or clinical services, or whether attackers accessed or removed customer, patient, employee, or other sensitive data. The company has not identified the attack method, including whether ransomware played a role, and no group had publicly claimed responsibility at the time of reporting. It has not established a timetable for full restoration, while it continues to assess the operational and financial consequences.
