A major US health care system, Ascension, is diverting ambulances from several of its hospitals following a cyberattack. The cyberattack has also disrupted access to electronic health records, phone systems, and various systems used to order tests, procedures, and medications. Ascension is using downtime procedures, including paper records, to continue patient care. The incident has been reported to federal authorities, and cybersecurity firm Mandiant has been hired to recover from the attack. The number of hospitals affected and the extent of the diversion of ambulances is unclear. This is the latest in a series of major hacking incidents targeting US health care networks. The vulnerability of the US health care system to cyberattacks is a growing concern.
In a separate incident, Florida's Department of Health and Department of Juvenile Justice have also been targeted by cyberattacks. More than three months after the hack on the computer system serving the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, many contractors providing services to at-risk and troubled youths are still unable to access the network. Efforts to bring the network back online are ongoing. The cyberattacks on Florida's health care and juvenile justice departments highlight the widespread impact of cyber threats on critical infrastructure and services. The incidents raise concerns about the vulnerability of government agencies and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the continuity of essential services.
The cyberattacks on Ascension and the Florida health care and juvenile justice departments underscore the growing threat of cybercrime to the US health care system and government agencies. These incidents demonstrate the need for increased investment in cybersecurity and proactive measures to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. The engagement of cybersecurity firm Mandiant in the Ascension case and the ongoing efforts to restore access to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice network reflect the seriousness of the attacks and the determination to recover from them. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting sensitive information.