Ascension, one of the largest health systems in the U.S., faced a significant cyberattack that disrupted its operations. Kurt “CyberGuy' Knutsson has more.
Ascension, one of the largest health systems in the United States with 140 hospitals, faced a significant cyberattack that disrupted its operations. It was reported that the attack caused patient record systems to go offline, forcing medical staff to resort to paper records. This event is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of America’s health care system to cyberthreats.
What was the immediate impact of the cyberattack? The aftermath of the cyberattack was immediate and disruptive. Emergency crews had to divert patients to other hospitals, and staff had to implement manual workarounds. Essential systems like MyChart, phone services and electronic ordering for tests and medications were affected. The company has had to delay some elective procedures and appointments, urging patients to come prepared with detailed notes on their conditions.
Ascension's response Ascension’s response was swift, with an investigation launched to determine the extent of the breach. The health system, which is based in St. Louis, has not provided a timeline for service restoration but has assured us that they are working diligently to resolve the issues. Nurses and staff have had to adapt quickly, facing challenges such as accessing electronic health records and using devices like glucometers that rely on electronic identification systems.
Cybersecurity in health care The recent security failures in hospitals have been likened to car owners leaving their keys on the seat with the door unlocked. The American Hospital Association supports voluntary cybersecurity goals but has expressed concerns over mandatory measures proposed by the Biden administration. They argue that such requirements could unfairly penalize hospitals for vulnerabilities introduced by third-party technologies.
The bigger picture paints concerning trend in health care This cyberattack is not an isolated incident. It follows a concerning trend of increased cyberthreats to U.S. medical systems. Just recently, Change Healthcare suffered a similar fate, which had widespread repercussions across the health care industry. The Ascension hack, while smaller in scope, directly impacted systems crucial for patient care.
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