State Rep. Calls for Action Against Ransomware Attacks

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — After a cyber attack this week on McLaren Health Careofficials are calling for preventive measures, including tougher penalties.

Rep. Donni Steele, Republican of Orion Twp., has called for legislative action to address ransomware attacks on Michigan hospitals.

“Currently, the maximum penalty for hacking a computer system in Michigan is only five years in prison. The maximum penalty for possessing ransomware is up to three years in prison,” a spokesperson for Steele said.

This spring, Ascension Health experienced a similar ransomware attack, prompting UnitedHealth Group to pay a $22 million ransom.

“It is unacceptable that criminal gangs who have an iron grip on the health care system in our communities are only given five years in prison if they are caught,” Steele said.

“Legislators can’t just sit on the sidelines and hope for the best. We need to take a holistic approach and ensure that state and federal governments work together with local law enforcement to combat these threats. We need to ensure that law enforcement has all the resources they need to protect our health care system.”

According to McLaren’s most recent statementIt has not been confirmed whether patient or employee data was compromised.

This is the second ransomware attack that McLaren has experienced since last year. In October 2023, a cybercriminal gang known as BlackCat/ALPHV responsibility claimed for stealing the sensitive personal health information of 2.5 million McLaren patients.