The Ascension healthcare network, one of the largest in the United States, is currently grappling with the aftermath of a cyber security event. Detected on Wednesday, the incident has disrupted clinical operations across its various facilities.
While Ascension hasn’t explicitly called it a cyberattack, experts believe it likely falls under that category. The organization has taken affected systems offline as a precaution, hindering access to crucial technological resources.
Impact on Patients and Operations
The most concerning aspect of this event is the disruption to clinical operations. Patients may experience delays in appointments, scheduling, and potentially even receiving care.
Ascension assures patients that their care teams are trained for such situations and have implemented protocols to minimize disruption. This likely involves relying on paper charts, manual data entry, and potentially postponing non-critical procedures.
The extent of the disruption remains unclear. Ascension is still assessing the situation and hasn’t provided a timeline for when normal operations will resume.
Data Security Concerns
The healthcare industry is a prime target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of patient data. While Ascension hasn’t confirmed a data breach, they are working with a cybersecurity firm to investigate and determine if any information was compromised.
If a breach is confirmed, Ascension has pledged to notify affected individuals and follow all necessary legal and regulatory guidelines. It’s important to note that this process can take time, so staying informed through Ascension’s official channels is crucial.
Moving Forward
Ascension is currently focused on containing the incident, restoring affected systems, and investigating the scope of the attack. They’ve enlisted the help of cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement officials.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare field. Hopefully, Ascension can swiftly resolve the situation and minimize the impact on patients.
Staying Informed
Patients with appointments at Ascension facilities during this time should contact their local clinic or hospital for updates. Ascension is providing updates through their website and press releases. Here are some resources to stay informed:
- Ascension website: https://healthcare.ascension.org
This is a developing situation, and more information will likely become available in the coming days.
