McLaren Health Ransomware Attack Exposes Patient Data Threat

McLaren Health, a healthcare system with 15 hospitals in Michigan, was hit by a ransomware attack in August, potentially affecting a large number of patients. A cybercriminal group called ALPHV claimed responsibility for stealing the sensitive personal health information of 2.5 million McLaren patients and threatened to release the data unless a ransom payment was made. McLaren is investigating the reports and working with law enforcement, but the actual number of affected patients and the type of health information stolen remains unknown. Cyberattacks against healthcare providers have become increasingly common, with eight of the 11 largest data breaches last year targeting hospitals or health systems.