Russian-linked hackers post information on dark web

Sensitive patient files and high-level data stolen in a cyber attack on a major primary health provider have been posted to the dark web by a ransomware group with Russian links, the Herald can reveal.

In a statement this week, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network — which operates dozens of North Island GP practices — confirmed the upload of stolen material to the net, following a “cyber incident“last week.

While the number of affected patients has not been made public, initial reports suggest hackers may have had access to as many as 450,000 people’s information, including patients of four major providers in Taupō and Tūrangi; Taupō Health Centre, Taupō Medical Centre, Lake Surgery and Pihanga Health.

Justin Butcher, CEO of Pinnacle Incorporated, told the Herald information illegally obtained was uploaded to the internet by “malicious actors“.

The information and data related to past and present patients and customers of the Pinnacle group in the Waikato, Lakes, Taranaki and Tairawhiti districts.

The information in the breach includes high-level data related to the use of hospital services, claiming information related to services that Pinnacle provides, and information sent to practices around immunisation and screening status of individual patients. Pinnacle does not hold

GP notes and consultation records

“Over the past 24 hours, we were notified by our security experts that the data taken from our IT platform had been released by malicious actors,” Butcher confirmed.

“We acknowledge that this will be concerning to our patients and their whānau, and we are taking this seriously, our immediate focus is on supporting people who may have been impacted, and working with the authorities to ensure we are doing everything we need to be.”

Pinnacle chief executive Justin Butcher said investigations were still under way but he believed attackers accessed information that could include commercial and personal details.

For the full story head to www.nzherald.co.nz, click on the Community News section and head to the Taupō and Tū rangi herald.