Ascension Health Care under investigation following cyber security attack

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Wednesday, May 8, Ascension Health Care was hit with a cyber security attack.

This attack is still under investigation but officials say this will pose no threats to local patients.

Ascension has over 140 hospitals across 19 states, including eight of those being here in Northwest Florida.

Last week, they detected unusual activity on some of their network systems.

After learning about the attack, officials immediately went into action to ask third-party experts to investigate to see if any information was affected.

Senior Director of External Communications at Ascension Flordia, Gary Nevolis, said they have determined it to be a ransomware incident and has no threat to patients here in Northwest Florida.

“There is a chance patients may experience delays in some areas. But our staff is appropriately trained to maintain high-quality care. some hospitals are on diversion or are, you know, not doing elective procedures. That’s not the case with any essential Florida hospitals,” Nevolis said.

Nevolis says while this investigation is underway, new and existing patients will not have any issues in receiving care.

Ascension will be posting updates about their restoration process.

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