Another high risk data breach has been marked by the most recent hack into the UCLA System’s computer network. Hackers may have accessed sensitive information on as many 4.4 million patients.
THIS ISNT THE FIRST HEALTHCARE-RELATED CYBER ATTACK
This recent cyber-attack at UCLA is shortly after a major breach of federal employee records an another hack at a health insurance giant Anthem Inc. that affected 80 million Americans.
THIS MOST RECENT ATTACK HAS PEOPLE questioning HOSPITAL RECORD SAFETY
These recent cyber-attacks are bringing many questions as to the safety and ability of hospitals, medical providers and health insurers to protect the large amounts of electronic medical records and sensitive information that they hold.
The UCLA hack revealed that it hadn’t taken the small and basic steps of encrypting patient data brought about major criticism from patient advocates and security experts. This is very crucial, especially due to the fact that cybercriminals are targeting major players in retail, healthcare and government.
According to a Patient Privacy Rights founder, breaches of this nature will continue to happen because the healthcare system has built large amounts of systems with many weak links in them.
UCLA IS WORKING WITH FBI AND SECURITY EXPERTS
On Friday, UCLA announced that its working with hired computer forensic experts and the FBI to secure its networks. They also said that there isn’t any proof that any patient data was taken during the attack, but the possibility cannot be ruled out until the investigation is over. Hospital officials say that they are taking this attack very seriously and that patient privacy is of extreme importance to the university.
HOSPITAL REVEALED UNUSUAL ACTIVITY SINCE OCTOBER 2014
It was also revealed that the hospital has been detecting unusual activity on their computers servers since October of last year. Investigations were done with the help of the FBI. According to UCLA, it was not until May 5th that investigators determined that the hackers had gained access to parts of the UCLA Health’s computer networks where patient information was stored. This information included names, Social Security numbers, Medicare and health plan identification, and dates of birth. Some of the patient data dates back to 1990. According to UCLA, this access could have began as early as September of 2014.
