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20K Patients Exposed in Oncology Ransomware Attack

Posted: September 6, 2017 to News.

Tags: Ransomware, Data Breach, Digital Forensics, Malware, HIPAA

Medical Oncology Hematology Consultants, based in Delaware, has begun the task of notifying its nearly 20,000 patients of a cyberattack that has potentially exposed such private information as their names, DOBs, phone numbers and health/treatment data. Though this cyberattack began on June 17, 2017, it was not discovered until July 7, 2017.  Upon learning of the breach, Medical Oncology took the proper steps to remedy the situation by hiring a third-party cybersecurity forensics team to help ensure that not only had the virus been completely removed, but to also help determine what and whose information had been compromised.  Additionally, the health provider has boosted security by:
  • Updating/changing passwords.
  • Restoring files from data backups.
  • Improving documentation policies.
  • Further educating staff on cybersecurity measures, which includes email phishing tests.
  • Implementing a web filtering system and a two-factor login authentication system.
Medical Oncology, as is the norm in these cases, has also offered one free year of credit report monitoring to all potentially impacted patients. Nobody ever thinks their medical practice is at risk from a cyberattack, but what many don't realize is that it's not personal- hackers are targeting your practice simply because it's a medical practice, and they're ripes targets for hackers to make money. Contact us for an assessment to make sure your healthcare practice is as safe as it can be from cybersecurity threats.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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