Ransomware Cripples Healthcare Giant Ascension, Exposing 5.6 Million Patients
Ransomware attack on Ascension exposes 5.6 million patients' data.
Matilda
Ransomware Cripples Healthcare Giant Ascension, Exposing 5.6 Million Patients
A massive ransomware attack on Ascension, one of the largest health systems in the United States, has compromised the sensitive health information of 5.6 million patients. The May 2024 attack, perpetrated by the notorious Black Basta gang, caused widespread disruption across Ascension's network of over 140 hospitals and numerous senior living facilities. The Scope of the Breach The stolen data includes a trove of highly sensitive information, including: Personal Information: Names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. Health Information: Medical records, treatment details, lab results, and prescription information. Financial Information: Payment card details and bank account numbers. Identity Documents: Driver's licenses and passports. The Human Cost Beyond the sheer volume of data compromised, the cyberattack had a profound impact on patient care. Healthcare workers faced significant challenges, including: Delayed or Lost Lab Results: Critical test results were dela…
