Family Planning NSW(FPNSW), an organization looking into the reproductive and Se$ual health of Australian populace is said to have become a victim of a ransomware on Anzac Day. Officials at the New South Wales based healthcare agency has confirmed that their database was hit by ransomware and information related to the customer’s who contacted the healthcare organization in the last two and half years was locked from access.
Sources reporting to Cybersecurity Insiders said that the data of over 8000 customers who have contacted the agency and left a feedback regarding the services could have been compromised in the potential data breach. But FPNSW authorities assured that no medical records were accessed in the breach.
Ann Brasil, the Chief Executive of the Australian Family Planning agency has rendered an unconditional apology to all the agency clients early Monday and confirmed that the attack took place due to a security vulnerability in the software of the website.
“Details such as names, email Ids, phone numbers and the reason of taking an appointment could have been compromised”, said Brasil. However, Ann Brasil added that the info was in highly encrypted format, and so breaking into it was not an easy task for traditional hackers.
The Australian Federal Police said that hackers were demanding $15,000 ransom in bitcoins and said that the cryptocurrency is paid within a couple of days. Otherwise, they are intending to leak the details to the dark web.
The website of Family Planning NSW has been shut down and a message displaying on the homepage says that the healthcare portal will be down until a security update is applied.
Those concerned about the severity of the situation can call to the organization’s toll-free number 1800 957 860 or email to respond@fpnsw.org.au
Note- FPNSW is known to offer expertise in contraception, pregnancy issues, STIs, menstruation, menopause, common gynecological problems, cervical screening, breast cancer awareness and Men’s Se$ual health.
Note- Anzac day is a national day of remembrance in Australia commemorating those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacemaking operations.
