Ransomware Attack on Connecticut Provider Impacts 24,000 Patients

On the 5^th of February, Dr. Thomas DeLuca & Associates had been in search for ransomware removal strategies when their clients’ personal data had been breached. This is also when they had started notifying approximately 23,578 of their clients that they had experienced a ransomware attack and what was at stake.

Unresponsive Computers

This well-known eye specialist had found that 25 of their computers were completely unresponsive, which is where they were able to deduce the obvious problem. The eye specialist had, however, told the local news that over a course of 3 days, they were successful in restoring their network systems and thankfully had backups in place.

During the attack, all the computers with the essential data relating to their everyday affairs had become completely unresponsive. This is where their IT team said that the servers were completely frozen and that the hackers had demanded a ransom of $4000.

Clients’ Personal Information at Stake

While the investigation of the event was underway, the company released a statement as to what kind of data was at stake. The frozen computers consisted of limited treatment information, social security numbers, patient names, and sundry patient data. It’s obvious why the patients would be worried, but this personal information could be used for other malicious means as well.

The IRS got in touch with the eye specialist to let them know an example of what this personal information could be used for. They were concerned about the fact that this data could easily be manipulated to be used to materialize fraudulent tax returns.

Immediate Response

In response to this ransomware attack, the eye specialist had shut down all the remote pathways to access their network and had immediately installed anti malware softwares. The office was also able to use their insurance against cyber crime – which is probably going to cover the costs related to ransomware removal.

As you can see, none of the sectors of the industry seem to be safe from this threat. Even eye specialists have somehow turned out to be a victim of ransomware – and the perpetrators were none other than the notorious variant of SamSam. Similar ransomware attacks have been targeted towards companies like Mind and Motion, Bobby Yee Pediatric Offices and Faben OB-GYN.