FBI director blames Iran for 'despicable' attempted cyberattack on Boston Children's Hospital

Iranian government-backed hackers were behind an attempted hack of the Boston Children's Hospital computer network last year, FBI Director Christopher Wray alleged Wednesday, calling it "one of the most despicable cyberattacks I've ever seen."

The FBI was able to help thwart the hackers before they did damage to the hospital's computer network, according to Wray, but he cited it as an example of the potential high-impact hacking threats that the US faces from the governments of Iran, Russia, China and North Korea.

The hack, which took place in June 2021, saw the attackers exploit popular software made by California-based firm Fortinet to control the hospital's computer network, according to US officials.

Boston Children's Hospital is a more than 400-bed facility and is considered one of the premier pediatric centers in the US.

(CNN)