Charlotte Cybersecurity Attack Hits Major Hospitals (2023)

In a recent cybersecurity incident, major hospitals in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the greater region found themselves in the crosshairs of a devastating cyberattack. Nuance, a healthcare technology firm owned by Microsoft, has reported that cybercriminals, identified as the hacker group “Clop,” successfully stole sensitive personal data from these hospitals as part of a massive international security breach earlier this year. This stolen information was initially held for ransom but ultimately found its way onto the dark web.

How Did This Cybersecurity Attack Happen?

The hackers found a vulnerability in MOVEit, a widely used software for data transfer in various companies. Since discovering this vulnerability the company has taken steps to fix the issue and informed the public of their cybersecurity risk.

What North Carolina Hospitals Experienced this Cyber Attack?

Nuance released a news release and stated that personal data has been breached at numerous North Carolina hospitals and other health care providers. Including the following:

• Atrium Health
• Catawba Valley Medical Center
• Charlotte Radiology
• Duke University Health System
• DLP Central Carolinal Medial Center
• ECU Health
• FirstHealth of the Carolinas
• Mission Health System
• Novant Health
• Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical center
• UNC Health
• Wake Radiology Diagnostic Imaging
• WakeMed Health and Hospitals

Patients who have received services at these hospitals or healthcare providers are strongly advised to remain vigilant for any suspicious activities, such as unauthorized credit card charges or attempts to access their medical records. It is also recommended that individuals consider placing a fraud alert on their credit reports. Nuance has assured affected customers that they are actively collaborating to notify patients and provide support. The company is also taking comprehensive measures to enhance its security protocols, aiming to prevent any future attacks.

Steps to Safeguard Yourself from Cyberattacks

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from cyberattacks:

• Be careful about what information you share online.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Keep your software up to date.
• Be wary of phishing emails and other suspicious messages.
• Monitor your credit report and bank statements for any unauthorized activity.

In the event you suspect that you have fallen victim to a cyberattack, report it to the relevant authorities. You can also contact your bank or credit card company to dispute any unauthorized charges.

This Charlotte cybersecurity attack represents just one instance of the numerous cyber threats that have plagued hospitals and healthcare providers in recent times. These attacks pose risks to patients, including identity theft, medical fraud, and disruptions to healthcare services. To ensure your organization remains resilient against such threats, we encourage you to reach out to us at PivITStrategy to explore how you can improve your cybersecurity defenses.