St. Louis-Based Health System in Michigan Hit by Cyberattack

A St. Louis-based health system with hospitals across Michigan is currently grappling with the aftermath of a cyberattack that disrupted its operations and access to critical systems.

Ascension, the health system in question, detected unusual activity on its network systems on Wednesday, May 8, leading to disruptions in its clinical operations. As of Thursday, May 9, it remains unclear whether any sensitive information was compromised as a result of the cyberattack.

In response to the incident, Ascension has engaged in an investigation with the assistance of a third-party expert, Mandiant. The health system has also notified authorities and reached out to its business partners to ensure the security of their own systems.

With hospitals in various Michigan locations, including Detroit, Novi, Saginaw, and Grand Blanc Township, Ascension continues to assess the impact and duration of the disruption. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.

This cyberattack is just one in a series of incidents targeting the healthcare industry. Earlier this year, Change Healthcare, a major tech company, fell victim to a cyberattack, causing significant disruptions in the U.S. healthcare system.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, healthcare organizations are urged to prioritize the implementation of robust safety measures to safeguard sensitive patient information. The recent string of cyberattacks serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector.