Priya PatelTLDR:
- Consulting Radiologists experienced a cyberattack in February where over 500,000 patient records were accessed, including personal and medical information.
- Two ransomware gangs, LockBit and Qilin, claimed responsibility for the attack, with Qilin bragging about stealing more than 70GB of data.
Consulting Radiologists, a Minnesota-based healthcare business, notified 512,000 patients about the breach after spotting suspicious activity on their network on February 12. The intruders accessed personal data such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical records, prompting the company to offer free credit monitoring services to affected individuals. The cyberattack was claimed by two ransomware gangs, LockBit and Qilin, with Qilin stating they had stolen 70GB of data. The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place to protect patient files and has prompted a response from cybersecurity experts to enhance system security.
LockBit, one of the ransomware gangs involved in the attack, reemerged with increased attack volume in May, suggesting a potential resurgence after an apparent takedown earlier in the year. Global ransomware infections have also increased, highlighting the continued threat posed by cybercriminals. While the exact motives behind the attack remain unclear, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding sensitive patient information from cyber threats.
