Repeated Ransomware attack affects McLaren Health Care

McLaren Health Care has confirmed a ransomware attack on Friday, following an earlier cyberattack this month. The Grand Blanc, Michigan-based health system expects IT disruptions to persist through the end of August. While the incident is under control, access to some systems remains limited. This attack follows a similar ransomware incident last year. Ransomware, which locks users out of their data until a ransom is paid, poses an increasing threat to healthcare. The recent attack impacted IT systems across McLaren’s 13 hospitals, cancer centers, surgery centers, and clinics. Although phone and IT issues were first reported in early August, the system has confirmed that clinical services are operational. Patients should attend appointments as scheduled unless contacted otherwise, and are advised to bring medication lists, imaging orders, lab results, and allergy information. Ransomware attacks on U.S. healthcare have nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, with notable incidents affecting Ascension and Change Healthcare.