Malware
Massive Cyberattack at French Hospital: Health Data of 750,000 Patients Compromised
A cyberattack on a French hospital exposed the health data of 750,000 patients. The incident highlights the growing risk of cyber threats targeting healthcare organizations, with sensitive patient information being increasingly sought by hackers. Ensure your organization’s data is protected with robust cybersecurity measures and stay informed on the latest threats.
A data breach at a French hospital has led to the exposure of 750,000 patients’ medical records. The culprit, a threat actor going by the name ‘nears’, claims to have attacked multiple healthcare facilities in France, potentially gaining access to over 1.5 million patient records.
This attacker claims to have breached MediBoard, an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) solution by Softway Medical Group. The group has confirmed that a MediBoard account was indeed compromised, but it was not due to a software vulnerability or misconfiguration. Instead, the breach occurred through stolen hospital credentials.
How did this happen?
Softway Medical Group explained that the exposed data was not directly managed by them but was hosted by the hospital. They emphasized that their software was not responsible for the breach. Instead, a privileged account within the hospital’s infrastructure was compromised.
This situation highlights the importance of ensuring that all staff members, especially those with privileged access to sensitive systems, follow strict security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
What’s at stake?
The threat actor began selling what they claimed was access to the MediBoard platform for multiple French hospitals. This access allegedly allowed the buyer to view sensitive healthcare and billing information, patient records, and even the ability to schedule and modify appointments or medical records.
To prove their claim, the hacker put the records of 758,912 patients from an unnamed French hospital up for sale. These records contain sensitive information, including full names, dates of birth, contact information, and even health card history.
The data was offered for purchase to three users, and currently, no buyers have been declared on the sale listing. However, even if the data isn’t sold, there’s always a risk of it being leaked online for free, making it accessible to the broader cybercrime community.
The dangers of exposed data
The type of data exposed in this incident raises the risk of phishing, scamming, and social engineering for impacted individuals. As a result, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in proper security measures to protect their patients’ sensitive information.
For patients, it’s essential to be vigilant and aware of potential scams and phishing attempts. Be cautious with any communication that seems suspicious or requests sensitive information, and never hesitate to verify the authenticity of a message.
What can you do to protect yourself?
With cyber threats constantly evolving, it’s essential to stay informed about cybersecurity best practices. As an IT Services company, we’re dedicated to helping people like you understand the risks and take appropriate action to protect your personal information and online security.
Don’t leave your cybersecurity to chance. Keep coming back to learn more about the latest threats, best practices, and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe online. Together, we can build a more secure digital world for everyone.