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A ransomware attack on Ardent Health Services, a major hospital operator, caused widespread disruptions to hospital operations across three US states – Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The attack forced several hospitals to divert emergency room patients and reschedule non-emergency surgeries.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities. As hospitals increasingly rely on computerized systems to manage patient care, they become more vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt essential services.
Ardent Health Services operates in six US states, managing over 30 hospitals and more than 200 care sites, with collaboration from over 1,400 aligned providers
Timeline of Events
The attack reportedly began on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2023, when some Ardent Health hospitals in East Texas began experiencing technical difficulties. As the day progressed, the impact spread to other hospitals in the region and beyond.
By Monday, November 27, the attack had affected multiple Ardent Health hospital chains, including Hillcrest HealthCare in Oklahoma, Lovelace Health in New Mexico, and UT Health in Texas. Several hospitals were forced to divert emergency room patients to other facilities, while others rescheduled non-emergency surgeries.
Ardent Health's Response
Ardent Health Services acknowledged the cyberattack and stated that it was working to restore its systems. The company also assured patients that they were taking steps to protect their data and privacy.
Ardent Health Services operates in six US states, managing over 30 hospitals and more than 200 care sites, with collaboration from over 1,400 aligned providers.
Impact on Patients
The cyberattack caused significant inconvenience and disruption for patients seeking medical care. Some patients were forced to travel long distances to receive emergency care, while others had their important medical procedures postponed.
Cybersecurity Experts Weigh In
Cybersecurity experts have warned that the healthcare industry is a prime target for cyberattacks due to its reliance on digital systems and the sensitivity of patient data. They emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures and regular security audits to protect healthcare organizations from these threats.
healthcare organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and implement comprehensive measures to safeguard their systems and patient data.
