FOX 2 – Since McLaren Health Care was the target of a criminal cyberattack last week, operations have not yet returned to normal.

The current attack not only affects some non-urgent appointments, examinations and treatments, but also the salaries of employees.

A A current McLaren employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said employees had been informed that they would have to take their own paid leave to make up for days missed due to the cyberattack.

“I feel like I’m being punished for something I didn’t do,” she said, concerned about her finances.

The disruption of McLaren’s technology began on Monday, August 5, according to the employee. The attack was confirmed by the healthcare company on Wednesday. In Michigan, Grand Blanc-based McLaren Health Care operates 13 hospitals.

“Its facilities include Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers,” Michigan Attorney General Dana said in a statement.

Their hospitals remain operational and emergency rooms continue to operate as usual – surgeries and procedures are taking place as scheduled, McLaren’s statement said.

When disruptions occurred Monday, employees were asked to shut down their computers, the employee told FOX 2. Employees were eventually given the option of taking their paid vacation or going unpaid for the missed days – and not all employees have enough paid vacation to make up for their absence.

While McLaren continues to work to resolve the issues caused by the cyberattack, employees have the option to use their paid leave or apply for unemployment benefits.

“We have to take our paid vacation or we won’t get paid,” said the anonymous worker. “Or we can apply for unemployment benefits.”

When FOX 2 contacted McLaren Health Care, they released a statement reiterating that workers can now apply for unemployment benefits, but adding that the hospital system is prepared to work with its employees who are unable to work due to the attack.

“Just because we stopped working doesn’t mean we won’t get bills anymore,” said the McLaren employee.

Nessel urges consumers to be vigilant after the attack, as it is still unclear whether data, including personal information, was compromised.

“I encourage everyone to carefully protect their accounts and be on the lookout for any indication of misuse of personal information,” Nessel said in a press release. “Unfortunately, there is currently little information about what information may have been exposed.”

According to Nessel, McLaren patients should pay attention to the following:

• A bill from your doctor for services you did not receive.
• Errors in your Explanation of Benefits (EOB), such as benefits you never received or medications you are not taking.
• Calls from debt collectors about medical bills you don’t owe.
• Medical collection notices on your credit report that you don’t recognize.
• A notification from your health insurance company that you have reached your benefit limit.
• Denial of insurance coverage due to a pre-existing medical condition that you do not have.

If your healthcare provider data is compromised, protect your personal information immediately by updating your medical portal account passwords, carefully reviewing your EOBs from your insurer and notifying your bank and credit card companies to set up alerts for your bank accounts, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

You can find more information on how to protect yourself here.