Ascension Ransomware Attack: Yet Another Crippling Healthcare Attack

In May 2024, Ascension Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the U.S., experienced a significant ransomware attack. This breach critically disrupted hospital operations across several states, particularly affecting Ascension’s electronic health record (EHR) system, MyChart.

Healthcare professionals were compelled to revert to manual documentation, resulting in delays and interruptions in essential patient care.

Our comprehensive https://www.cm-alliance.com/ascension-cyber-attack-timeline details the events surrounding this severe cyber incident.

You can download the complete timeline document and a summary image to fully grasp the profound effects of such a cyber attack on human life.

The timeline also outlines the Cyber Incident Response measures implemented by Ascension, along with valuable lessons for IT and business professionals derived from this incident.

Disclaimer: This document has been crafted solely to promote discussion around cybersecurity and effective security practices. Our goal is not to disparage any individual, company, or legal entity. All information provided here is drawn from publicly available reports and data. Cyber Management Alliance does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of any sources or information presented in this document.

Ascension Ransomware Attack: Immediate Impact on Human Life 

The Ascension Cyber Attack significantly impacted the organization, disrupting clinical operations and severely affecting patient care, which required extensive recovery efforts.

This incident revealed the critical vulnerabilities within the healthcare sector and emphasized the necessity for strong cybersecurity measures. Most importantly, it stressed the urgent need for business leaders to actively engage with cybersecurity initiatives.

1. Emergency Services Disrupted: As a precaution, some hospitals diverted emergency medical services to ensure immediate triage of critical cases. This measure was essential for managing patient care effectively while systems were offline and to ensure safety during the incident.
2. Manual Record-Keeping: With electronic health records (EHRs) unavailable, hospital staff had to revert to manual processes, increasing the risk of errors in patient information. Many nurses reported that their ability to perform their duties became exceedingly challenging and potentially dangerous without accurate and comprehensive patient data.
3. Surgery and Appointments Delayed: Routine surgeries and appointments were postponed, disrupting ongoing treatments for patients with chronic illnesses.
4. Patient Anxiety: Patients were unable to access their medical histories or schedule appointments through online portals, leading to significant anxiety among those with pressing healthcare needs.

This incident served as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to strengthen cybersecurity readiness and leadership in order to effectively navigate the complex threat landscape we face. Achieving this involves involving management in understanding the organizational threat landscape and enhancing executive decision-making through our Cyber Tabletop Exercises for Executives.

Key Takeaways from the Ransomware Attack on Ascension

1. Prioritize Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure: The attack on Ascension underscores the necessity for strong cyber defenses in sectors where operational disruptions can directly impact human lives. This incident serves as a stark reminder for all critical infrastructure organizations to focus on maintaining offline backups and systems capable of storing essential records and ensuring accessibility during an attack.
2. Cyber Incident Response is Essential: Healthcare and critical infrastructure organizations need a well-defined cyber incident response plan to minimize downtime and recover quickly from attacks. While disruptive ransomware incidents are increasingly common, the distinguishing factor for organizations will be their ability to promptly resume critical services following a cyber event.
3. Data Backups and Contingency Plans: Secure, offline data backups and alternative workflows—such as manual processes—are vital for reducing downtime during attacks.
4. Employee Training: Ongoing cybersecurity training for employees can significantly enhance the response to ransomware attacks. Regular Cyber Attack Simulation Drills equip staff to perform their duties seamlessly during a cybersecurity incident, while also minimizing human error, which is often a target for ransomware attacks.
5. Collaboration with Experts: Engaging cybersecurity specialists and law enforcement is crucial for mitigating the impact of a breach and conducting investigations following an attack.
6. Transparency in Communication: Effective crisis communication, established protocols for communication during an attack, and predefined channels and messages are essential for managing panic and maintaining trust during and after an incident.

These insights highlight the vital importance of proactive cyber defense and operational resilience in today’s interconnected business landscape.

For a comprehensive overview of how ransomware attackers affected Ascension, its staff, and patients, be sure to download our Ascension Cyber Attack Timeline and Summary Image.

Disclaimer: This document has been developed solely to promote discussion on cybersecurity and effective security practices. We do not intend to disparage any individual, company, or legal entity. All information included is derived from publicly available reports and data. Cyber Management Alliance does not claim responsibility for the accuracy of any sources or information presented in this document.