May 10, 2024 at 10:24AM
Ascension, a major US healthcare system, is dealing with a significant cyberattack affecting various systems, leading to disruptions and the implementation of downtime procedures. The incident, presumed to be a ransomware infection, has prompted the activation of emergency measures and the diversion of medical services. The company is working with external advisors to investigate and restore its systems. Dell Technologies also recently experienced a security incident, affecting millions of customers but without compromising sensitive financial or payment information.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting Notes:
– Ascension, a major healthcare system in the United States, is currently grappling with a significant cyberattack that has led to disruption and “downtime procedures” at multiple hospitals across the country.
– The cyberattack has affected various computer systems, including electronic health records, patient communication portals, phone systems, and systems for ordering tests, procedures, and medications.
– Following the discovery of the hack, Ascension activated downtime procedures and suspended non-emergent elective procedures to prioritize urgent care. Some hospitals have diverted emergency medical services to ensure prompt triage of critical cases.
– The incident is confirmed to be a cybersecurity issue, possibly a ransomware infection, and is being investigated and addressed with the help of both internal and external advisors. There is no specific timeline for the completion of the investigation and restoration work.
– Patients are advised to bring detailed information about their symptoms and medications to appointments, as downtime procedures are expected to be in place for some time.
– Despite the disruption to clinical operations, care teams have initiated procedures to maintain safe and minimally impacted patient care delivery.
– Ascension is collaborating with Google’s Mandiant unit in the investigation and remediation process.
– The organization employs approximately 142,000 individuals and manages numerous hospitals and senior living facilities across the U.S.
Additionally, the notes mention a separate security incident involving Dell Technologies, where customer data, such as full names and physical addresses, was accessed. However, financial or payment information, sensitive customer information, email addresses, and telephone numbers were reportedly not compromised.
These takeaways summarize the main points related to the cyberattack on Ascension and the separate data breach incident involving Dell Technologies.