Ransomware Hits Ascension: Tips to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware Attack Story

In a substantial cybersecurity incident, Ascension Health, certainly one of the most important U.S. Healthcare providers, disclosed that about 5.6 million people had their personal, clinical, and payment data compromised in a ransomware attack earlier this year.

The breach on May 8, 2024, disrupted services nationally, forcing hospitals to implement downtime procedures and divert emergency medical services. By mid-June, Ascension had restored the maximum number of its affected systems; however, it had confirmed that attackers had exfiltrated vital facts, such as protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII).

On December 19, Ascension introduced the completion of its research into the breach and stated it might begin notifying affected individuals. “Since the May ransomware attack, we have been working with third-party experts to investigate what individuals’ data may have been involved in this incident. That review of the data is now complete,” the company shared.

The compromised data includes a variety of sensitive info, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, authorities ID numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, medical records, tax identification numbers, and payment info. 

“The particular type of information involved, however, varied by individual,” Ascension said in a written notification letter to the impacted individuals, a copy of which was filed with the Maine Attorney General’s Office.

Related Read: Are You a Spyware Target? How to Stay Protected from Spyware

Impact of Ransomware on Ascension: The Aftermath Story

According to a report filed with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, 5,599,699 individuals, patients, and employees have been affected by the breach.

“Notice letters will be mailed to those individuals directly and be delivered over the course of the next 2-3 weeks,” Ascension said.

The healthcare giant has started notifying the ones impacted and is providing 1 year of free credit tracking and identity protection services, including a $1 million insurance reimbursement coverage.

While CNN resources linked the attack to the Black Basta ransomware group, the group no longer publicly claimed responsibility or has any other cybercrime entity. This silence has fueled the hypothesis that a ransom may also have been paid.

Ascension operates as a charitable corporation and oversees one of the most essential healthcare systems in the U.S., with multiple hospitals and around 40 senior living facilities under its control. The incident highlights the vital want for strong cybersecurity measures within the healthcare enterprise to protect sensitive data against such threats.

How to Get Rid of Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attempts are one of the most dangerous varieties of cyber threats, capable of locking you from your own data and asking for hefty payments for access. Protecting yourself begins with the right steps. 

Here’s how:

1. Disconnect Immediately

The moment you think a ransomware attempt has occurred, disconnect your devices from the internet immediately. This limits the malware’s capability to unfold across networks and affect other systems.

2. Identify the Ransomware Type

Knowing the kind of ransomware (e.g., encryption or lock-display screen) facilitates determining the best route of action. Use reliable cybersecurity tools to scan and identify the ransomware.

3. Do Not Pay the Ransom

Paying the ransom doesn’t assure that you get to access your data once again, rather, it often encourages further attacks. Instead, I prefer recovery steps.

4. Use Credit Fraud Protection Services

If personal information is compromised, get yourself credit fraud protection services to track unusual financial activities and prevent identity theft.

5. Restore from Backups

Regularly backing up your data guarantees you can get hold of your documents without complying with ransomware needs. Always keep backups offline or in a stable cloud storage.

Read More: Decoding Trojan Viruses & How to Protect Your Devices

6. Enhance Online Data Privacy

Update your software regularly, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking suspicious hyperlinks or attachments to safeguard online data privacy.

7. Invest in Robust Cybersecurity Tools

Rely on solutions like AVP Total Security to guard against ransomware. Its superior malware detection and social protection fraud protection capabilities offer comprehensive security.

How AVP Suite Can Help Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks increasingly target individuals and organizations, inflicting enormous data breaches and financial losses. AVP Total Security presents a 360-degree guard towards those emerging threats. 

Here’s how AVP Suite safeguards your devices and personal information:

1. Real-Time Ransomware Detection

AVP Suite leverages superior algorithms to track and locate suspicious activities effectively. It identifies ransomware immediately before it can encrypt your data, providing a safe first line of protection.

2. Enhanced Malware Protection

Ransomware is a sort of malware, and AVP Suite’s robust malware safety guarantees your device is safeguarded in opposition to malicious downloads, email attachments, and unsafe websites.

3. Credit Fraud Protection Services

With ransomware regularly leading to financial data exposure, AVP Suite includes credit fraud protection services. This function actively monitors your financial transactions for unusual activities, minimizing the threat of credit card fraud.

4. Safeguarding Online Data Privacy

AVP Suite prioritizes online data privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and protecting vital private data from cybercriminals. Its secure VPN carrier guarantees private surfing and eliminates any unauthorized access to your data.

Also Read: Adware 101: How AVP Suite Browser Extension Shields Data

5. Preventing Personal Identity Theft

Ransomware attacks can compromise your identity. AVP Suite’s identification theft safety ensures social safety fraud protection and prevents misuse of your personal data.

6. Automatic Backups and Data Recovery

AVP Suite allows automatic backups of essential files, enabling you to recover data easily without complying with ransomware demands.

7. Proactive Cybersecurity Alerts

AVP Suite permits automatic backups of essential files, allowing you to recover data without difficulty and without complying with ransomware demands.

8. User-Friendly Interface for Total Protection

AVP Suite’s intuitive interface guarantees that even non-technical customers can easily keep comprehensive security features secure.

Key Takeaways!

In the wake of ransomware attacks like the one on Ascension, it’s clear that proactive measures are essential to safeguard your data. Ransomware doesn’t just steal files—it disrupts lives and businesses. AVP Total Security is your ultimate defense, offering robust ransomware protection providing peace of mind against cybercriminals targeting your personal and financial information. 

Don’t let ransomware compromise your data and peace of mind! Choose AVP Total Security today for an all-in-one cybersecurity solution. Stay safe, stay secure!

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