Arabic version: شبكة أطباء تؤكد سرقة سجلات المرضى في هجوم سيبراني
Partnered Health has confirmed that personal medical records and other patient information were accessed and taken during a cyber attack on its network of clinics.
According to ABC News, the company — which runs 57 general practice and skin cancer clinics across the country — posted an incident report saying it became aware of the breach on June 23 and that some patients’ records were removed. Partnered Health has identified 16 clinics where information may have been stolen and listed a further five clinics that remain under investigation.
The provider said the stolen material may include consultation notes, referral letters, pathology results and personal details such as names, contact details, addresses, Medicare information and private health insurance details. Partnered Health said it has engaged cyber experts, is working with agencies including the Australian Cyber Security Centre and police, and has begun contacting affected patients.
To limit further harm, Partnered Health obtained an interim injunction from the Supreme Court of New South Wales ordering that the accessed data not be used or published. The company has also contacted Services Australia to seek additional monitoring for people whose Medicare details might have been taken and warned patients to be wary of scam contacts that reference medical records to appear convincing.
The breach involves sensitive health information and identification details held at clinics in multiple population centres. Partnered Health has listed clinics in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Coffs Harbour among those where information may have been taken, and said another five clinics, including some in Western Australia, remain under investigation. In its incident report the company said: “Our investigations to date have confirmed that personal information, including health information, was taken from some of the clinics in our network.”
What happens next: Partnered Health will continue its investigation, communicate with patients from impacted clinics, work with cyber agencies and experts, and pursue legal protections for the stolen data.
Related sections: General | Australia/استراليا | New South Wales | Social/إجتماعية | Victoria
