Ascension hospitals are grappling with a significant cybersecurity incident that's thrown a wrench into their clinical operations. According to a statement from the health care network obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, unusual activity was detected on their systems Wednesday, prompting an immediate response. As the investigation proceeds, systems access remains constricted, though vital patient care continues with backup protocols enacted.
Employing one of the country's largest Catholic healthcare systems, Ascension operates 140 hospitals nationwide, including 15 hospitals and 230 care sites in Illinois. An Ascension spokesperson revealed on Thursday that although Illinois hospitals experienced no patient care service interruptions, IT services have been somewhat impacted, this information was provided by CBS News Chicago.
Experts from Mandiant Solutions have been enlisted to probe the cyberattack, and authorities have been promptly notified, affirmed Ascension. The healthcare provider is committed to informing and supporting those affected should sensitive information be compromised. The breach underscores a worrying trend of ransomware attacks plaguing healthcare providers across the nation in recent times.
Last month, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized to CBS News the growing concern of healthcare network consolidation, with the warning that these mergers could result in dangerous vulnerabilities, to an extent such that "when one or two of those big players goes down, so goes the industry," the statement casting a long shadow over an already beleaguered healthcare sector. The incident follows a string of cyberattacks, including the recent high-profile breach of Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, which caused weeks-long disruption to their operations.
Amidst this technological turmoil, Ascension Illinois remains operational at its 14 Chicago area hospitals, as are the facilities affected in Michigan. As cybersecurity threats continue to loom over the healthcare industry, the full ramifications of such disruptions on patient care and data security remain a poignant concern for providers and patients alike.
