Ascension faces class action lawsuits for ransomware attack causing disruptions and long ER wait times

Ascension Faces Class Action Lawsuits Over Ransomware Attack

Ascension, one of the largest health systems in the country, is currently facing two class action lawsuits following a ransomware attack on May 8. The attack, carried out by the Black Basta ransomware, has caused disruptions in operations and long wait times in emergency rooms across Ascension’s 140 hospitals.

The lawsuits, filed by Katherine Negron and Ana Marie Turner, allege that Ascension failed to safeguard personal identifying information and protected health information, leading to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data including names, dates of birth, patient records, and Social Security numbers. The plaintiffs claim that they are now at an increased risk of identity theft and fraud due to the cyberattack.

According to the complaints, Ascension did not implement adequate data security practices, making their systems vulnerable to cyberattacks. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages, a jury trial, and improvements to Ascension’s data security systems, including future audits and credit-monitoring services.

This incident comes on the heels of a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, which is owned by Optum and affiliated with UnitedHealthcare. The attack has caused disruptions in claims management and revenue for hospitals and physician practices.

As cybersecurity threats continue to pose a significant risk to the healthcare industry, it is crucial for organizations to prioritize data security and implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient information and prevent future attacks.