The group posted on the dark web June 21 that it had taken patient data from Beverly Hills (Calif.) Plastic Surgery and would release pictures if it is not paid, according to the June 21 story.
“This is not the first time a ransomware gang has attempted to weaponize patients’ photos, and it will not be the last,” Emsisoft cybersecurity analyst Brett Callow told the news outlet. “If [the photos] do end up online, they could be accessed and potentially misused by third parties — and that misuse could include attempts to extort money from the patients themselves.”
BlackCat, which has ties to Russia, previously posted photos of patients receiving breast cancer treatment at Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network after the health system refused its ransom request.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
