Australia’s biggest private health insurer Medibank has entered a trading halt after a group demanded ransom for customers’ data. Nothing is verified at this stage, however, Medibank has notified the ASX to put a halt to the trade in its shares.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the attackers are threatening the company to sell confidential customers’ information including credit card details, and sensitive health conditions until they receive a ransom. They claim to have ‘’200-gigabyte data of customers having all the information.
Data includes the Diagnosis of the most prominent people
Also, Medibank confirmed that they received messages from attackers who want to negotiate about the data. The company said the protection of customers is its priority and is treating the matter very seriously. The health insurer said it was a‘’ new development ‘’ that will ‘’cause concerns for customers’’.
The announcement stated,[pdf]“Medibank is working urgently to establish if the claim is true, although based on our ongoing forensic investigation we are treating the matter seriously at this time”.
Further adds, We continue to work with specialized cybersecurity firms and have advised the Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC). Our ongoing response to safeguard our networks and systems may cause necessary temporary disruptions to our services. Investigations are ongoing and Medibank will continue to provide regular updates.’’
Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Federal Police to try to manage the situation
As a private insurance company, Medibank holds a range of information about customers including the most sensitive data. The company is not sure what information about customers could be using for Ransome. Meanwhile, the CEO of Medibank, David Koczkar apologized to the customers and said, “I apologize and understand this latest distressing update will concern our customers.”Previously, Telecommunications Company Optus faced a huge cyber attack which affected millions of Australians.
Cyber security minister Clare O’Neil said the Australian Signals Directorate has been “intimately involve” in assisting Medibank. She added that “last night, this matter was referred to the Australian Federal Police, and an … investigation has been stood up.
“So Medibank is now working closely with the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Federal Police to try to manage the situation.”
