May 10, 2024 at 12:47PM
Ascension, a healthcare provider operating 140 hospitals, suffered a cyberattack affecting essential systems like electronic health records and patient communication platforms. The organization has paused non-emergency procedures and is diverting some emergency services. Incident response help has been sought, and patient data exposure is being investigated. The attack highlights healthcare’s vulnerability and the need for stronger cybersecurity measures.
From the meeting notes, the key takeaways regarding the cyberattack on healthcare provider Ascension are as follows:
1. Ascension, a large healthcare provider operating across 19 states, suffered a cyberattack that impacted essential systems, including electronic health records (EHRs), patient communication platforms, and medication/test-ordering systems.
2. The organization disclosed the attack on May 8 and is actively investigating it with internal and external advisers, prioritizing patient safety amid the disruption.
3. As a result of the attack, non-emergency medical procedures and appointments have been temporarily paused, and some hospitals are diverting emergency medical services. Patients have been advised to bring relevant medical information to appointments due to system limitations.
4. Incident response help has been sought from Mandiant for investigation and remediation efforts, with a focus on determining if any patient data was exposed in the attack.
5. This incident occurs in the context of a broader pattern of cyberattacks on healthcare organizations, with the notes citing a February ransomware attack on United Healthcare’s Change Healthcare subsidiary.
6. Security experts stress the high value of medical data to cybercriminals and emphasize the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize cybersecurity, including addressing external-facing vulnerabilities, implementing comprehensive security operations, and safeguarding sensitive personal health information.
Based on these takeaways, it’s evident that the cyberattack on Ascension has significant implications for patient care and the broader healthcare industry, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to strengthen cybersecurity and protect patient data privacy and security.