Change Healthcare Cyber Attack

Change Healthcare Suffers Major Cyber Attack

Patient Data Compromised in Data Security Breach

Change Healthcare, a major healthcare technology company, recently suffered a cyber attack that resulted in the compromise of patient data. The company confirmed that an unauthorized party gained access to its systems and exfiltrated certain data, including patient names, addresses, dates of birth, and medical information. The attack is a serious concern for those whose data was compromised, as it could potentially lead to identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activity.

Details of the Breach

The cyber attack occurred on August 4, 2021, and was discovered by Change Healthcare on August 12, 2021. The company immediately launched an investigation and engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to assist in the response. The investigation is ongoing, but the company has confirmed that the unauthorized party gained access to its systems through a compromised vendor account. The vendor's account was used to deploy ransomware on Change Healthcare's systems, which encrypted certain files and prevented the company from accessing them.

Ransomware Attack

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files and demands a ransom payment to decrypt them. In this case, the ransomware encrypted certain files on Change Healthcare's systems, including patient data. The company has not disclosed whether it paid the ransom, but it has stated that it was able to restore most of the encrypted files from backups.

The attack on Change Healthcare highlights the importance of cybersecurity for healthcare organizations. Healthcare data is sensitive and valuable, and it is essential for healthcare providers to take steps to protect it from unauthorized access. Change Healthcare has taken steps to enhance its cybersecurity measures in the wake of the attack, including implementing additional security controls and increasing its investment in cybersecurity training for employees.

What to Do If You're Affected

If you are a patient of Change Healthcare, you should be aware of the potential risks associated with the data breach. The company has set up a dedicated website where you can check if your data was compromised. You should also monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any suspicious activity. If you discover any unauthorized activity, you should report it to your financial institution and the relevant law enforcement agencies.

In addition, you can take the following steps to protect yourself from identity theft and other malicious activity:

• Change your passwords for all online accounts.
• Be wary of phishing emails and text messages that ask for your personal information.
• Shred any documents that contain your personal information before discarding them.
• Monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any suspicious activity.
• Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution and the relevant law enforcement agencies.

Change Healthcare Cyber Attack