Anderson, S.C.-based AnMed said unauthorized posts appeared on its social media accounts Aug. 11 as part of its ongoing cybersecurity incident.
According to a statement the health system posted to its website, AnMed said it removed the content, disabled access to the platform and is working with the provider to secure the account.
The health system said the claims contained in the posts have not been verified. AnMed and its cybersecurity specialists are investigating the matter as part of the broader response to the cybersecurity incident it first identified July 26, which was caused by malware that disrupted the organization’s IT systems across South Carolina and Georgia, knocking out internet, phone lines and network access systemwide.
The unauthorized posts appeared on AnMed’s Facebook page and ran from about 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Fox Carolina reported. The post featured an image of a masked, top-hatted figure labeled “The Gentlemen,” a ransomware group that claimed to have extracted six terabytes of AnMed’s confidential corporate and patient data.
The stolen data allegedly included sensitive records tied to sexual assault, mental health, abortion and sexual harassment cases, The Record reported. Neither outlet said the group provided evidence to support its claims, and AnMed has not confirmed any of the details.
The health system said it will notify affected individuals and share additional information if its investigation determines personal information was compromised. As of Aug. 10, 10 AnMed facilities remained closed amid the ongoing incident, and the health system has not confirmed whether patient data was affected.
AnMed is South Carolina’s largest independent, nonprofit health system, anchored by a 461-bed medical center in Anderson that serves patients across upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia.
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.
