Security Breach Alert: Ascension Wisconsin Patients Experience Disruptions in System Access

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The healthcare provider Ascension Wisconsin has reported a cyber security event that has impacted access to some of its systems.

The incident, detected on May 8, revealed unusual activity within select technology network systems, prompting Ascension to immediately launch an investigation and remedy the situation. As a result, access to certain systems has been disrupted while the staff works to resolve the issue.

Patients have expressed concerns about the interruption, with some reporting missed appointments while others mentioned minimal impacts on their healthcare experience. One parent shared their disappointment after having to reschedule appointments for their children at the Ascension St. Joseph campus due to the cyber security event.

In response to the disruption, Ascension has assured the public that their care teams are well-prepared for such incidents and have implemented measures to maintain patient care delivery as safely and minimally affected as possible. The organization has also engaged a third-party expert, Mandiant, to assist in the investigation and remediation process.

Furthermore, Ascension is collaborating with appropriate authorities to assess the extent of the impact and determine if any sensitive information has been compromised. As a precautionary measure, the healthcare provider has recommended that business partners temporarily suspend connections to their environment until the situation is resolved.

This is an ongoing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Ascension Wisconsin has emphasized its commitment to notifying and supporting individuals in accordance with regulatory guidelines should any sensitive information be affected. For the most recent updates on the situation, individuals are encouraged to visit Ascension’s website.

As the investigation continues, Ascension Wisconsin remains dedicated to ensuring the security and continuity of patient care while addressing the cyber security event.