Healthcare provider Ardent Health Services faces a cybersecurity challenge with a ransomware attack affecting its information technology systems. While the full extent of compromised patient health or financial data is unknown, Ardent emphasizes patient safety as its top priority.
In a statement, Ardent said they “became aware of an information technology cybersecurity incident on the morning of November 23, 2023, which has since been determined to be a ransomware attack.”
In response, Ardent took its network offline, suspending user access to crucial applications, including corporate servers and clinical programs. The incident led to the rescheduling non-emergent, elective procedures, and some emergency room patients were diverted to other hospitals.
Sharp Rise Of Breaches
This is just one of many recent healthcare cybersecurity breaches. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), the number of healthcare data breaches involving 500 or more records increased by 104% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This marked a sharp rise from the 327 breaches reported in 2022 to 654 breaches in 2023. Breached records increased substantially, from 20.6 million in 2022 to 43.9 million in 2023.
Nashville, Tennessee-based, Ardent has reported the incident to law enforcement and engaged third-party experts for forensic analysis. The organization is implementing additional security protocols to restore IT capabilities swiftly. The impact on patient care includes the temporary disruption of certain clinical and financial operations, but hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms continue to provide care safely to patients who arrive at hospital ERs.
While Ardent’s IT teams work to assess and mitigate the situation, the timeline for full restoration remains uncertain. Key services, such as MyChart and On-Demand Video Visits, are temporarily unavailable. Ardent will directly communicate rescheduled appointments and procedures to patients.
Source: Ardent Health Services Reports Information Technology Security Incident
Other News: Patient Sues Hospital Network to Make it Pay Ransom (Opens in a new browser tab)