In response to a cyberattack that disrupted their clinical operations, Ascension Health Care Network quickly initiated remediation efforts to restore access to some systems. Despite the disruption, Ascension assured the public that patient care delivery remains a top priority for their care teams. As they continue to assess the impact of the incident, Ascension has enlisted Mandiant Solutions, a cybersecurity firm, to investigate the matter and has notified the appropriate authorities.
As a precautionary measure, Ascension has instructed its business partners to temporarily suspend their connection to the Ascension system. Additionally, Ascension emphasized that they are fully committed to investigating the incident and will notify and support individuals if any sensitive information was affected. The healthcare organization provided details about its hospital operations in the Chicago area, highlighting the various Ascension hospitals currently serving the community.
The recent cyberattack on Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago in January serves as a reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector. It underscores the importance of organizations like Ascension taking proactive measures to safeguard patient data and maintain continuity of care for their communities.
In light of this incident, Ascension has pledged to prioritize patient safety above all else. They have implemented new security protocols and trained their staff on how to handle sensitive information securely. Furthermore, they have established an internal incident response team that can quickly respond to any future cyber threats.
While it is difficult to predict when or if another cyber attack will occur, Ascension is prepared for any eventuality. They are confident in their ability to protect patient data and ensure that their care teams can continue delivering quality care without interruption.
Overall, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for healthcare organizations to take cybersecurity seriously. It is critical that they implement robust security measures and stay vigilant against potential threats in order to safeguard patient data and maintain continuity of care for their communities.
