Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center paid Attack.Ransom a $ 17,000 ransom Attack.Ransom in bitcoin to a hacker who seized control of the hospital 's computer systems and would give back access only when the money was paid Attack.Ransom , the hospital 's chief executive said Wednesday . The assault Attack.Ransom on Hollywood Presbyterian occurred Feb 5 , when hackers using malware infected the institution 's computers , preventing hospital staff from being able to communicate from those devices , said Chief Executive Allen Stefanek . The hacker demanded Attack.Ransom 40 bitcoin , the equivalent of about $ 17,000 , he said . `` The malware locks systems by encrypting files and demanding ransom Attack.Ransom to obtain the decryption key . The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom Attack.Ransom and obtain the decryption key , '' Stefanek said . `` In the best interest of restoring normal operations , we did this . '' The hospital said it alerted authorities and was able to regain control of all its computer systems by Monday , with the assistance of technology experts . Stefanek said patient care was never compromised Attack.Databreach , nor were hospital records . Top hospital officials called the Los Angeles Police Department last week , according to police Lt John Jenal . Laura Eimiller , an FBI spokeswoman , said the bureau has taken over the hacking investigation but declined to discuss specifics of the case . Law enforcement sources told The Times that the hospital paid the ransom Attack.Ransom before reaching out to law enforcement for assistance . The attack forced the hospital to return to pen and paper for its record-keeping .