Ascension Breach Blunder: 5.6 Million Patients’ Data Stolen in Ransomware Fiasco!
Ascension, one of the largest U.S. healthcare systems, is notifying 5.6 million patients and employees of a data breach by Black Basta ransomware. The breach, caused by an “honest mistake,” compromised sensitive information. Ascension offers free identity theft protection and has notified law enforcement, while employees resort to pen and paper for records.
Hot Take:
In a plot twist that would make even the best thriller writers jealous, it turns out “Dr. Malware” has made a house call to Ascension’s extensive network. Cue the dramatic music as health records, insurance details, and even Social Security numbers disappear into the digital ether, leaving 5.6 million folks with a case of stolen identity blues. But fear not! There’s a silver lining: two years of free identity theft protection! Just what the doctor ordered, right?
Key Points:
- Ascension, a major U.S. healthcare system, faces a massive data breach affecting 5.6 million individuals.
- The May cyberattack is linked to the notorious Black Basta ransomware group.
- Exposed data includes sensitive personal, medical, and financial information.
- Ascension offers affected individuals free identity theft protection for 24 months.
- An unfortunate employee download error is believed to have triggered the breach.