Ascension's Ransomware Attack Exposes Data of 5.6 Million Patients and Employees, Ranking Third Largest in 2024

The cyberattack on Ascension, occurring in May, resulted in a significant breach affecting 5.6 million individuals, making it the third-largest data breach reported in 2024[1][2]. Although electronic health records were maintained, sensitive information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, and insurance details were compromised[1]. The breach stemmed from an employee inadvertently downloading a malicious file, leading to disruptions in Ascension's systems and significantly impacting its financial stability with a reported $1.1 billion loss for the fiscal year[2]. Ascension has been proactive in response to this incident by offering credit monitoring and identity protection to those affected[1].