69,777 Patients Impacted by Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Fort Worth Hacking Incident
Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Fort Worth has discovered an unauthorized individual gained access to its computer systems and potentially obtained patients’ billing information. The breach was detected on June 4, 2020 and steps were immediately taken to prevent further unauthorized access. The breach investigation revealed the hacker gained access to the network on May 20, 2020.
A review of the compromised computer systems revealed the hacker potentially accessed files containing patients’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, insurance information, and information regarding the reason for visits.
Cybersecurity professionals were retained to conduct a review Allergy and Asthma Clinic of Fort Worth’s security measures and additional protections will be implemented, as appropriate, to strengthen network security to prevent further data breaches.
The breach report submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights indicates 69,777 individuals were affected by the breach.
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Chinese Hackers Targeted Biotech Firm Working on COVID-19 Vaccine
The Massachusetts-based biotech firm Moderna has been targeted by hackers looking for COVID-19 research data. Moderna has been working on a vaccine for COVID-19 and announced its vaccine candidate in January. According to Reuters, the firm identified “information reconnaissance activities” in January and has been in contact with the FBI over the suspected attack.
The firm is believed to have been targeted by the Chinese hackers indicted by the Department of Justice in July for conducting an 11-year campaign of cyber espionage attacks on U.S. businesses and government agencies.
The reconnaissance is believed to have been part of an attempt to steal data related to Moderna’s mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, which has recently entered a phase III clinical trial.
“Moderna remains highly vigilant to potential cybersecurity threats, maintaining an internal team, external support services and good working relationships with outside authorities to continuously assess threats and protect our valuable information,” said Moderna spokesperson Ray Jordan.
