(2026-02-13 22:03:00) — A major cyberattack has disrupted operations at Ascension, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the United States, impacting patient care and access to electronic health records.
The attack, first detected February 8, has forced Ascension to temporarily take some systems offline, leading to appointment cancellations and delays in test results, according to a statement released by the health system.
- Ascension, which operates over 140 hospitals and more than 2,600 other care sites in 19 states, is grappling with a significant cyberattack.
- The attack has disrupted patient care, leading to appointment cancellations and delays in accessing medical records.
- Ascension has engaged cybersecurity experts and is working with law enforcement to investigate the incident and restore systems.
- The FBI confirmed it is investigating the incident, but has not yet publicly identified the perpetrator.
The cyberattack began on February 8, and Ascension initiated its emergency protocols, taking some systems offline as a precaution, the health system said in a press release. This action was taken to protect data and ensure patient safety. The disruption has affected various aspects of Ascension’s operations, including electronic health records, appointment scheduling, and some clinical applications.
Impact on Patient Care
Patients have reported difficulties accessing their medical records and experiencing delays in receiving test results. Ascension has been forced to cancel some appointments and divert patients to other facilities. The health system is advising patients to verify their appointments and to be prepared for potential delays. Ascension stated it is working to restore systems as quickly and safely as possible, but has not provided a timeline for full recovery.
“We are working diligently to restore systems and minimize disruption to patient care,” Ascension said in a statement. “We understand the frustration and concern this is causing, and we are committed to providing updates as we learn more.”
Investigation and Response
Ascension has engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate the attack and restore its systems. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also investigating the incident, according to a statement released by the agency. The FBI did not provide details about the nature of the attack or potential suspects.
Cyberattacks on healthcare organizations have been increasing in frequency and sophistication in recent years, posing a significant threat to patient safety and data security.
Why It Matters
The attack on Ascension highlights the growing vulnerability of healthcare organizations to cyberattacks. Hospitals and health systems are increasingly reliant on digital systems for patient care, making them attractive targets for malicious actors. A successful cyberattack can disrupt critical healthcare services, compromise patient data, and potentially endanger lives. This incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive threat detection to protect healthcare infrastructure and patient information. The scale of the Ascension system—operating in 19 states—means the disruption has a broad geographic impact, affecting thousands of patients and healthcare workers.
Time.news based this report on statements released by Ascension and the FBI.
