A ransomware attack that targeted Ardent Health Services facilities on Thanksgiving Day has resulted in the disruption of services at two New Jersey hospitals, officials announced on Monday. Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center and Pascack Valley Medical Center were among the hospitals affected by the attack, which has also impacted dozens of healthcare facilities across multiple states.

According to Ardent officials, the attack prompted hospitals to divert ambulances to alternative emergency rooms as they work to restore their computer systems. As a precautionary measure, non-emergent elective procedures have been rescheduled, and emergency room patients have been redirected to other nearby hospitals.

The attack, which commenced on Thursday morning, has caused significant disruptions to the operations of the affected hospitals. As of Monday, efforts to restore the compromised computer systems were still underway, leaving the hospitals with limited connectivity and functionality.

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with cybercriminals targeting vulnerable entities, particularly those in critical sectors such as healthcare. These attacks involve the infiltration and encryption of computer systems, followed by a ransom demand in exchange for the decryption key.

The extent and impact of the attack on Ardent Health Services facilities nationwide have not been fully disclosed. However, the ransomware incident has raised concerns over the potential compromise of sensitive patient data and the effectiveness of hospital cybersecurity measures.

The affected hospitals, in collaboration with cybersecurity experts, are diligently working to mitigate the effects of the attack and restore normal operations. It remains unclear when the systems will be fully operational, and additional security measures are likely to be implemented to prevent future incidents.

As investigations into the attack continue, authorities are urging healthcare providers to take proactive steps to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. The ransomware attack serves as a reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercriminals targeting critical infrastructure, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures and proactive risk mitigation strategies.

In the meantime, patients seeking medical care are advised to contact their healthcare providers for any changes in appointment schedules or hospital redirections.