Ascension ransomware attack that crippled Alabama hospital computers caused by worker downloading ‘malicious
How did the ransomware attack initially occur at Ascension Health?
The ransomware attack at Ascension Health initially occurred when a worker accidentally downloaded a malicious file, believing it was legitimate. This incident led to the paralysis of the health system's computers and the removal of hospitals' access to electronic patient records.
Which hospitals in the Birmingham metropolitan area are operated by Ascension Health, and were they affected by the ransomware attack?
Ascension Health operates five hospitals in the Birmingham metropolitan area, including St1. Vincent's Hospital. These hospitals were affected by the ransomware attack that crippled the computer systems. Ascension Health announced last week that access to electronic patient records was restored at its Alabama facilities and intended to complete the restoration for the remainder of its 140 hospitals by Friday.
What specific actions did Ascension Health take after discovering the ransomware attack on their computer systems?
After discovering the ransomware attack on their computer systems, Ascension Health took several specific actions:
- They removed their hospitals' access to electronic patient records as a precautionary measure.
- They announced that access was restored at their Alabama facilities and intended to complete the restoration for the remainder of its 140 hospitals by Friday1.
- They determined the cause of the ransomware attack, which was an individual accidentally downloading a malicious file.
- They investigated whether electronic records and other clinical systems were stolen in the attack.
- They provided free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to any Ascension patient or associate who asked for it.