Share this @internewscast.com

A possible ransomware attack on a unit associated with UnitedHealthcare — the largest insurer in the U.S. — has upset drug prescription orders at thousands of pharmacies for the past week.

The cyberattack, detected February 21, targeted Change Healthcare, a division of United’s Optum; two senior federal law enforcement officials said it looked like a foreign country had undertaken the attack, The New York Times reported.

Change, which was acquired by UnitedHealth Group for $13 billion in 2022, is responsible for roughly 15 billion transactions a year, spanning U.S. patient records and prescriptions across dental, clinical, and other medical areas. It serves as a “digital intermediary” for pharmacies that need to confirm a patient’s coverage, per the outlet.

Data breaches in the U.S. are at an all-time high, according to a report from Apple: In the first nine months of 2023, data breaches nationwide increased by almost 20% compared to all of 2022.

“This [UnitedHealthcare] incident serves as yet another reminder of the interconnectedness of the domestic healthcare ecosystem and of the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity resiliency across the ecosystem,” Jeff Nesbit, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told the Times.

Change said in a statement Monday that it had “worked closely with customers and clients to ensure people have access to the medications and the care they need” and that many pharmacies were able to keep filling prescriptions despite the challenge.

It remains to be seen if patient information was breached; if it was, federal law requires “vendors of personal health records and related entities” to inform those affected.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Labour Faces Backlash Over Failed Welfare Reforms

Sir Keir Starmer’s retreat from his own welfare reforms on Tuesday evening…

EU Denies Britain’s Bid to Join Pan-European Trade Bloc

Stay informed with free updates Aspirations of the British government to become…

The Importance of Implementing an AI Strategy for Your Finance Team Today

The finance function is rapidly transforming. AI, now a critical tool for…

Best Dining Spots in London for July 2025

Galvin La Chapelle, London ©johncarey2024 This is the one time of year…

Chip Ganassi Racing Partners with OpenAI for IndyCar Sponsorship at Mid-Ohio

Alex Palou’s No. 10 OpenAI Honda that will compete in the July…

The Cast and Creator of ‘Duster’ Discuss Honoring the 1970s Era

‘Duster’ Max The season finale of Duster, J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan’s…

Irene Paredes Banned From Spain’s First Match at UEFA Women’s Euro Tournament

Spain’s defender #04 Irene Paredes walks off the pitch after being shown…