McLaren Health Care Confirms Ransomware Attack, Estimates Recovery Process to Last Through August
McLaren Health Care today confirmed its criminal cyber security incident is a ransomware attack. The attack is impacting its information technology systems across the organization’s 13 hospitals, Karmanos cancer centers, surgery centers, and clinics. The disruption is expected to continue through the end of August, while cyber forensic investigations are ongoing. The incident is contained, but access to certain McLaren systems remains limited.
The health system continues to work with cybersecurity experts to assess the extent of the impact of the current cyber attack and to determine whether any employee or patient information was compromised. If the health system identifies that any Protected Health Information (PHI) or personal information was compromised, it will contact the affected individuals directly pursuant to state and federal reporting guidelines.
Clinical services are operational, and patients and residents are encouraged to use services normally.
- Patients in need of an outpatient imaging study can temporarily schedule their appointments through their local McLaren imaging departments. A complete list of McLaren imaging locations can be found by clicking here.
- All emergency departments are open and accepting patients.
- Surgeries are proceeding as planned and any postponed elective surgeries have been or are currently being rescheduled.
- All radiation therapy units at Karmanos Cancer Institute facilities are operational.
- McLaren’s two Comprehensive Stroke Centers (McLaren Flint and McLaren Macomb) remain fully operational.
- Primary and specialty care offices are operational, and patients can make appointments.
- Patients should still show up for scheduled appointments unless you are contacted by a team member.
Statement from Phil Incarnati, President and CEO of McLaren Health Care:
“Our employees are absolutely inspiring. Under extremely trying circumstances, McLaren teams on the frontlines and those in support roles across the state have answered the call. From doctors and nurses to dietary professionals, administrative assistants, patient advocates and all team members in between, our patients, their families and our communities will be forever grateful for your resilience and kindness. Thank you.
“We kindly ask patients seeking care and visitors to our facilities for their continued patience. Our clinical and support teams are some of the best out there, but they are working in a very challenging environment while we recover from this attack. They are the ones showing up on the frontlines every day to ensure our communities receive the care they need.
“Our experience has made clear that cyberattacks against our health care infrastructure are an industrywide problem, and it’s not hyperbole to call health care cybercrime a national security threat.
“I’m committed to working with my fellow providers, elected officials, law enforcement and cyber experts to find ways to hold these criminals accountable and prevent their entry into our systems.”