Hackers gain access to Australian hospital medical records, demand $10 million

Hackers have gained access to the medical records of what is believed to be tens of thousands of patients at a Sydney hospital and are threatening to release the information unless their demands are met.<br><br>The Australian reports that the hackers are seeking $10 million in exchange for the data in what is being viewed as one of the most significant cybersecurity attacks on an Australian healthcare provider.<br><br>“As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the security and integrity of our systems, we have proactively taken steps to contain the issue and prevent any further access of our assets,” said Mark Horton, Chief Information Security Officer at Uniting HealthCare.<br><br>The hackers have released sensitive information about one patient, including medical history and address, as what is believed to be proof of the invasion.<br><br>The company has stated that it has no intention of paying the ransom and is continuing to work with its legal and law enforcement partners to obtain a court order to block the “unlawful leaking of data.”<br><br>The incident is believed to have occurred in late 2023, though the company has declined to comment on the specifics surrounding the incident.<br><br>The Australian Government Cyber Security Centre is among the agencies working with Uniting HealthCare in relation to the incident, alongside the Australian Cyber Security Centre.<br><br>“Uniting HealthCare is working proactively to ensure the security and integrity of its systems, and to mitigate any further risks and potential breaches,” the company said in a statement.<br><br>— Via iTnews.