A major US health care system, Ascension, has been targeted by a cyberattack, leading to the diversion of ambulances from several of its hospitals. Ascension, a nonprofit network based in St. Louis with 140 hospitals across 19 states, disclosed that the cyberattack has disrupted access to electronic health records, phone systems, and various systems used for ordering tests, procedures, and medications.
As a response to the cyberattack, Ascension has implemented downtime procedures, resorting to backup processes such as paper records to ensure patient care continuity. The health care network has engaged the services of the cybersecurity firm Mandiant to address the incident and has informed federal authorities about the breach.
While the exact number of hospitals affected by the cyberattack remains unclear, Ascension is working diligently to support its facilities in providing safe patient care under the established downtime protocols and procedures.
This incident adds to a series of cyberattacks targeting major US health care organizations. In a separate incident earlier this year, a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, disrupted billing operations at pharmacies nationwide. The attack also raised concerns about the security of personal data, with an estimated one-third of Americans potentially impacted.
The vulnerability of the US health care system to cyber threats has drawn significant attention from lawmakers and government officials. The recent cyberattack on Ascension underscores the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical health care infrastructure and protect patient data.
