Ascension has disclosed a security incident affecting patient data at multiple care sites across five states, attributed to an inadvertent disclosure to a former business partner due to a vulnerability in third-party software. Identified on December 5, 2024, the breach potentially involved the theft of sensitive patient information, including personal and clinical details. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ascension confirmed that its own systems and electronic health records were not compromised. The affected states are Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas, with an investigation concluding on January 21 revealing the specifics of the data exposed.

Ascension Faces Data Breach: Patient Information Compromised Across Five States WWMT

A recent report from the American Hospital Association (AHA) outlines the financial difficulties hospitals and health systems are currently facing, largely due to rising operational costs and workforce shortages that necessitate higher wages. The report notes that inadequate Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements further exacerbate these financial strains, while practices by Medicare Advantage plans add complexity to the situation. Additionally, potential tariffs on medical imports could increase costs for medical devices, which are often sourced from abroad. AHA President Rick Pollack has called attention to the critical nature of these issues, urging policymakers to take action to preserve access to hospital care and support the sustainability of healthcare providers.

Hospitals Face Financial Crisis Amid Rising Costs and Falling Reimbursements AHA

Recent reports from Mandiant and Verizon highlight a notable shift in cyberattack trends in 2024, with stolen credentials and perimeter exploits emerging as prominent methods, while phishing attacks have decreased. Mandiant's data indicates that stolen credentials were involved in 16% of breaches, overtaking phishing at 14%. The report underscores the growing use of infostealers and keyloggers for credential theft and emphasizes the necessity of multifactor authentication (MFA) for protection. Exploited vulnerabilities remain the main form of initial access, now responsible for a third of intrusions, with an increasing focus on zero-day vulnerabilities in security devices. Financial motivations are evident, with 35% of attacks driven by profit, and data theft linked to 37% of incidents.

Cyberattack Trends Shift: Stolen Credentials Surge as Phishing Declines CSO

During the symplr Healthcare Operations Summit in Chicago, hospital executives discussed strategies for improving patient care through collaboration and empowerment of frontline staff. They highlighted the necessity of involving all team members in quality improvement efforts and integrating patient perspectives. Omar Hasan from MaineHealth emphasized the importance of teamwork in quality and safety initiatives, while Vi-Anne Antrum from Cone Health noted the need for strong collaboration between nurses and physicians. Additionally, the inclusion of supply chain experts with clinical staff was discussed as a means to enhance operational efficiency and ensure nurses have timely access to essential supplies.

Revolutionizing Patient Care: Hospitals Embrace Teamwork for Better Outcomes MedCity News

Ascension has disclosed a security incident affecting patient data at multiple care sites across five states, attributed to an inadvertent disclosure to a former business partner due to a vulnerability in third-party software. Identified on December 5, 2024, the breach potentially involved the theft of sensitive patient information, including personal and clinical details. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ascension confirmed that its own systems and electronic health records were not compromised. The affected states are Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas, with an investigation concluding on January 21 revealing the specifics of the data exposed.

Ascension Faces Data Breach: Patient Information Compromised Across Five States WWMT

A recent report from the American Hospital Association (AHA) outlines the financial difficulties hospitals and health systems are currently facing, largely due to rising operational costs and workforce shortages that necessitate higher wages. The report notes that inadequate Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements further exacerbate these financial strains, while practices by Medicare Advantage plans add complexity to the situation. Additionally, potential tariffs on medical imports could increase costs for medical devices, which are often sourced from abroad. AHA President Rick Pollack has called attention to the critical nature of these issues, urging policymakers to take action to preserve access to hospital care and support the sustainability of healthcare providers.

Hospitals Face Financial Crisis Amid Rising Costs and Falling Reimbursements AHA

Recent reports from Mandiant and Verizon highlight a notable shift in cyberattack trends in 2024, with stolen credentials and perimeter exploits emerging as prominent methods, while phishing attacks have decreased. Mandiant's data indicates that stolen credentials were involved in 16% of breaches, overtaking phishing at 14%. The report underscores the growing use of infostealers and keyloggers for credential theft and emphasizes the necessity of multifactor authentication (MFA) for protection. Exploited vulnerabilities remain the main form of initial access, now responsible for a third of intrusions, with an increasing focus on zero-day vulnerabilities in security devices. Financial motivations are evident, with 35% of attacks driven by profit, and data theft linked to 37% of incidents.

Cyberattack Trends Shift: Stolen Credentials Surge as Phishing Declines CSO

During the symplr Healthcare Operations Summit in Chicago, hospital executives discussed strategies for improving patient care through collaboration and empowerment of frontline staff. They highlighted the necessity of involving all team members in quality improvement efforts and integrating patient perspectives. Omar Hasan from MaineHealth emphasized the importance of teamwork in quality and safety initiatives, while Vi-Anne Antrum from Cone Health noted the need for strong collaboration between nurses and physicians. Additionally, the inclusion of supply chain experts with clinical staff was discussed as a means to enhance operational efficiency and ensure nurses have timely access to essential supplies.

Revolutionizing Patient Care: Hospitals Embrace Teamwork for Better Outcomes MedCity News