Ascension

Cyber Chaos at Ascension Hospitals: What You Need to Know

A cyberattack has caused havoc at Ascension hospitals, impacting clinical operations and patient care across the nation. Find out more here!

Cyber chaos ensues at Ascension hospitals as a cybersecurity incident disrupts clinical operations, prompting an investigation and remediation efforts with the help of cybersecurity experts. The renowned healthcare network, known for its nonprofit and Catholic affiliation, faces challenges following a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, a subsidiary. With over 150 care sites and 14 hospitals in Illinois alone, including Ascension St. Francis in Evanston, the impact is widespread.

The largest Catholic hospital chain in the US, Ascension Health, grapples with the aftermath of the cyber assault, mirroring disruptions faced by other major entities like UnitedHealth. Computer networks at 15 Michigan hospitals were shut down, illustrating the severity of the breach. Wisconsin health system is also hit, further emphasizing the vulnerability of healthcare institutions to cyber threats.

Amid investigations, Ascension continues to assess the nationwide cyberattack's effects on its healthcare systems, with uncertainty lingering over the duration of the disruption. Emergency rooms have been forced to transfer critical patients, and elective surgeries have been canceled due to the cyber crisis.

As chaos reigns, Ascension deals with the fallout of the cyber incident, shedding light on the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare settings. The alarming frequency of cyberattacks on major institutions highlights the growing threat landscape faced by organizations, underscoring the importance of proactive cybersecurity strategies in safeguarding sensitive data and patient care.