Wayne Memorial Hospital Data Breach: Ransomware Attack Exposes Patient Information
Jesup, Georgia – Wayne Memorial Hospital (WMH), located at 865 South 1st Street in Jesup, Georgia, has confirmed a ransomware attack that compromised certain patient data. The hospital is notifying affected individuals and taking extensive steps to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses.
What Happened?
On June 3, 2024, WMH detected a ransomware attack on its network. An unauthorized third party gained access, encrypted some data, and left a ransom note. Immediately, WMH disconnected its systems, took portions of the network offline, and began restoring operations securely from backups.
WMH engaged legal counsel and independent cybersecurity specialists to investigate. Their forensic review revealed that the attacker accessed a limited number of systems between May 30, 2024, and June 3, 2024
What Information Was Involved
The investigation confirmed that the personal data may have been exposed. While the type of information varies by individual, it could include:
Name and date of birth
Social Security number
Driver’s license or state identification number
User ID and password
Financial account details, credit or debit card numbers, and security codes
Medicare or Medicaid numbers
Health insurance member information
Healthcare provider details
Diagnoses, treatment records, medical history
Prescription information
Laboratory test results or medical images
Not every individual was impacted in the same way. Each affected person received a personalized notification letter detailing the specific data elements involved.
WMH’s Response
Wayne Memorial Hospital took swift action to protect its systems and community. The hospital:
Secured and restored systems from safe backups
Reset all employee and system passwords
Installed advanced intrusion detection and response technology
Partnered with cybersecurity experts for a forensic investigation
Published a public notice on August 2, 2024, on its website
Released a media notice in the Press Sentinel in Jesup, Georgia
What can you do?
If you believe your data may have been compromised in the Wayne Memorial Hospital ransomware attack, you should:
Monitor financial accounts regularly for unusual charges or suspicious activity.
Obtain a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and check for errors or unfamiliar accounts.
Place a fraud alert with one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to make it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
Consider a credit freeze for extra protection against unauthorized credit activity.
Update and strengthen passwords on all sensitive accounts, especially those using the same credentials possibly exposed in the breach.
Beware of phishing emails or calls pretending to be from WMH or other institutions — never share personal information unless you are certain of the source.
Contact WMH directly if you have questions about the notice or need additional support.
Legal Help?
If you are concerned about how this breach may affect you, let us connect you with the right Data Breach Attorney who can guide you through your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I know if my data was impacted by the Wayne Memorial Hospital data breach?
WMH mailed notification letters on August 27, 2025 to all individuals whose information may have been affected. Each letter specifies what type of data was involved for that person.
2. What kind of information was exposed?
The exposed information may include personal identifiers such as name, date of birth, Social Security number, medical records, financial account details, and health insurance information. The exact data varies by individual.
3. How many people were affected by the WMH ransomware attack?
The investigation determined that 34 Maine residents were directly impacted by this cybersecurity incident.
4. What is WMH doing to prevent future attacks?
Wayne Memorial Hospital has implemented new security measures, including stronger password protocols, advanced intrusion detection tools, and enhanced monitoring systems. Cybersecurity professionals continue to oversee and strengthen WMH’s network defenses.
5. What should I do if I received a notice?
If you received a notification letter, follow the recommended steps to safeguard your identity, which may include monitoring financial accounts, updating passwords, and contacting WMH’s support line for further assistance.