Arabic version: اختراق شبكة العيادات العامة يكشف سجلات المرضى في مدن أسترالية
Partnered Health has confirmed a cybersecurity breach that exposed thousands of patient records across its general practice network, the company said. The provider said the incident involved unauthorised access to personal and medical information held by clinics in its network and has prompted an internal and external response.
According to SBS News, Partnered Health said the malicious access affected 21 clinics in cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra and occurred on 23 June. The healthcare group reported that names, dates of birth, addresses and contact details were taken, along with Medicare, private health insurance and concession card details, and it has been communicating with patients about the incident.
Medical information was also among the material accessed. The company said consultation notes, referral letters and pathology or diagnostic results recorded by GPs were included in the data taken by the actor. Partnered Health reiterated that its investigations to date have confirmed personal information, including health information, was removed from some clinics in its network, and it is continuing forensic work to establish the full extent of the breach.
The group, which is owned by private equity firm Quadrant and has more than 60 medical centres nationwide, has asked the Supreme Court of NSW for an interim injunction to prevent the accessed data from being used or published. Partnered Health said it had reported the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and law enforcement and apologised for any concern and inconvenience caused to patients and staff.
This story matters because Partnered Health’s services reach more than five million people and the breached material includes both identity and sensitive medical details. The company’s disclosure comes as regulators reported an increase in data breach notifications, a trend that underlines why such incidents are treated seriously by authorities and industry participants.
What happens next: investigations are ongoing and Partnered Health has sought legal measures and notified relevant authorities as it works to respond to the breach. The company’s situation follows an earlier announcement that health insurer Bupa had announced its acquisition of Partnered Health in June, a point noted in coverage of the incident as stakeholders monitor the response and any potential impact.
Related sections: General | Social/إجتماعية | Australia/استراليا | New South Wales | Victoria
