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Ransomware attack on health giant Ascension hits 5.6 million patients
A recent ransomware attack on healthcare giant Ascension has resulted in a devastating breach of personal and sensitive health information, compromising the data of an astonishing 5.6 million patients. The cyberattack, which occurred in May, was perpetrated by the notorious Black Basta gang.
According to a new filing with Maine’s attorney general, the hackers gained access to a vast array of patient information, including dates of service, lab tests, and procedure codes, as well as payment information such as credit card and bank account numbers. The scope of the breach is staggering, ranking as the third-largest healthcare-related breach of 2024.
The impact on healthcare services was severe, with staff reporting harrowing lapses in patient care due to the disruption caused by the attack. Lab results were delayed or lost, medication errors occurred, and other critical issues arose from the chaos caused by the cyberattack.
This is a grave reminder that the healthcare industry remains woefully unprepared for these types of attacks. With increasing reliance on digital systems, it is imperative that healthcare providers prioritize cybersecurity to protect the sensitive information of their patients.
The consequences of this breach are far-reaching and will have long-lasting effects on those affected. It is crucial that Ascension takes immediate action to notify all impacted patients and provide them with comprehensive support and resources to mitigate any potential harm.
Source: techcrunch.com
