Dark Web Digest – Lessons Learned from the Ascension Data Breach

In this edition of Dark Web Digest, we explore a significant data breach that has compromised the personal and health information of over 430,000 patients associated with Ascension, one of the largest private healthcare systems in the United States. 

This incident underscores the vulnerabilities within third-party partnerships and the critical importance of strong cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector.

Key Takeaways

• Extent of the Breach: Approximately 437,329 patients’ data were affected, including sensitive personal and health information.
• Nature of the Data Exposed: Compromised data includes names, contact details, Social Security numbers, medical diagnoses, insurance information, and more.
• Cause of the Breach: The data was inadvertently stolen due to a vulnerability in third-party software used by the former partner.
• Protective Measures: Individuals can utilize PureVPN’s free Dark Web Exposure Scan to check if their data is at risk.

Ascension Data Breach – What Happened?

Ascension posted notices for each third-party data breach in 2025 on its website, including one for the Change Healthcare cyberattack; the incidents all occurred in 2024 or prior.

Recently, they became aware of a potential security incident involving a former business partner. An investigation revealed that patient data was inadvertently disclosed to this partner and subsequently stolen due to a vulnerability in the partner’s third-party software.

Understanding the Data Breach and Its Implications

The breach highlights the risks associated with third-party vendors in the healthcare industry. While Ascension’s internal systems remained secure, the incident underscores the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity measures that extend to all partners and affiliates.

What Data Was Exposed?

The breach impacts patients across Ascension’s facilities in Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas. The compromised data varies by individual but may include:

• Full names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Dates of birth
• Social Security numbers
• Medical diagnoses
• Insurance information
• Details of inpatient visits, including physician names, admission and discharge dates, and billing codes

Who Is Behind the Attack?

The company did not provide technical details about the security breach, however, the breach likely stems from Cl0p ransomware attacks exploiting a Cleo file transfer software flaw.

Cl0p ransomware is known to exploit vulnerabilities in file transfer platforms. The group has previously targeted multiple organizations by exploiting similar vulnerabilities. 

Ascension’s Response

Ascension has taken the following steps in response to the breach:

• At the end of April, the company notified patients that their personal and health information had been compromised in a December 2024 data breach suffered by a former business partner.
• Offered two years of free identity monitoring and protection services through Kroll.
• Initiated a review of third-party vendor relationships and security protocols.

Here’s Why This Breach Is a Wake-Up Call

The recurrence of such incidents highlights the persistent threats facing healthcare data security and the need for continuous vigilance, such as:

• Third-Party Vulnerabilities: Even if your organization’s systems are secure, third-party vendors can introduce significant risks.
• Healthcare Sector Targeted: The healthcare industry continues to be a prime target for cybercriminals due to the value of medical data.
• Repeat Incidents: This is not Ascension’s first breach; in May 2024, they suffered a ransomware attack affecting 5.6 million individuals.

Why Should You Be Concerned?

The exposure of such comprehensive personal and health information poses significant risks, including:

• Identity Theft: Fraudsters can use stolen data to open accounts, apply for loans, or commit other forms of identity fraud.
• Medical Fraud: Unauthorized use of health information can lead to fraudulent insurance claims or misuse of medical services.
• Privacy Violations: Sensitive health information being publicly accessible can lead to personal and professional repercussions.

What Can You Do to Stay Safe?

Ascension is offering 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. Impacted individuals should take advantage of these services to monitor for any suspicious activity.

However, if you are not sure if your data is affected and want to protect yourself, you can follow these steps:

1. Check If Your Data Has Been Compromised

To help individuals assess their risk, PureVPN’s free Dark Web Exposure Scan (which is also linked above) lets you check if your email address has been found in a data breach. In just 30 seconds, you can uncover:

• Breach Severity: How critical the breach is (High, Medium, or Low).
• Recency of Exposure: How long ago was your data leaked?
• Number of Breaches Detected: Total breaches involving your email.

Knowing if your data has been exposed is the first step in protecting yourself. If you’re affected, immediate action is crucial.

2. Accessing Your Exposure

• Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Check Credit Reports: Obtain your credit reports from major credit bureaus to look for unfamiliar accounts or activities.
• Be Vigilant for Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited communications requesting personal information or directing you to suspicious websites.
  

3. Securing Your Personal Information

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Regularly Update Software: Ensure all devices and applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  

4. Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions

For individuals:

• Use a VPN: Opt for a premium VPN like PureVPN to encrypt your internet activity and hide your IP address.
• Install antivirus software: It helps to detect and remove malware.
• Set up identity theft monitoring: Keep track of any unauthorized use of your personal data.
• Use Dark Web Monitoring: It alerts you if your most crucial identifiers appear on the dark web.

For Businesses: 

• Conduct security audits: Regular audits help to detect vulnerabilities.
• Implement endpoint protection: It’s a great way to safeguard employee devices.
• Train employees: Train them on cybersecurity best practices to prevent human errors.

What’s Next?

With healthcare breaches on the rise and third-party vulnerabilities becoming a prime target, cybersecurity experts are urging organizations to strengthen oversight of vendor security practices and demand stricter data protection measures across the healthcare ecosystem to safeguard sensitive information.

Whereas, individuals should remain proactive in protecting their personal data and stay informed about potential risks.

The Ascension data breach is yet another wake-up call: Your personal and health data is highly valuable to cybercriminals, and breaches like these prove that no one is immune. 

Stay alert, stay protected, and take charge of your digital and personal security.

Note: The information in this report is based on publicly available data as of 13th May 2025. For more updates, please refer to the official statements and reports from Ascension and cybersecurity news outlets.