Ascension Cyberattack Disrupts Clinical Operations, Highlights Need for Healthcare Vigilance

A cyberattack has disrupted the clinical operations of a major health care nonprofit, Ascension. The incident prompted the nonprofit to take steps to minimize any impact on patient care. Ascension, which operates 140 hospitals and 40 senior living facilities in 19 states, recommended that its health care clients temporarily disconnect from its network while the situation is addressed.

Ascension detected unusual activity on some of its computer systems, leading to an investigation and notification to the appropriate authorities. The nonprofit has initiated procedures to ensure that patient care delivery remains safe and minimally impacted. If any sensitive patient data was compromised in the hack, Ascension will notify those affected.

Health care providers in the US have faced multiple ransomware attacks in recent years. These attacks have disrupted patient care and resulted in significant financial losses for health providers. For example, in February, a ransomware attack on a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group caused billing disruptions at pharmacies nationwide and threatened to put some health providers out of business. It is unclear whether this incident involved ransomware, but it serves as a reminder of the need for healthcare organizations to remain vigilant against cyber threats.