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A major US healthcare system announced that it is redirecting ambulances away from "several" of its hospitals in response to a recent cyberattack.

Ascension Health Network Hit by Ransomware Attack

In a statement released on Thursday evening, Ascension, a nonprofit network consisting of 140 hospitals across 19 states, revealed that the recent cyberattack has not only caused disruption to electronic health records, but also to phone systems and various systems used for ordering tests, procedures, and medications.

The extensive health care network, which also operates 40 senior living facilities, announced that it will be implementing a "downtime procedure for an extended period" due to a cyberattack.

According to four sources familiar with the investigation, CNN has learned that Ascension experienced a ransomware attack. This type of cybercrime involves hackers attempting to encrypt computers and extract data for the purpose of extortion.

Ascension Enlists Mandiant Amid Black Basta Hack

The ransomware used in the hack is called Black Basta, a notorious choice among hackers targeting health care organizations in recent years.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, it has been reported that the criminal group known as Black Basta includes individuals who speak Russian.

Ascension has taken actions in the last 24 hours that are commonly seen among American organizations that have been targeted by cybercriminals.

Ascension has taken immediate action by notifying federal authorities and engaging the services of Mandiant, a renowned US cybersecurity firm.

Additionally, they have proactively shut down systems in order to mitigate the impact of the incident and ensure a swift recovery. Recently, the Health Information Sharing and Analysis Center issued a warning about an increase in cyber attacks targeting the healthcare sector.

According to the advisory, hackers using Black Basta ransomware have been targeting big healthcare providers worldwide.

A minimum of two health care organizations in Europe and the US have recently experienced significant operational disruptions due to the Black Basta ransomware, according to an advisory.