UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s acquisition of Change Healthcare Inc. has been marred by a significant cybersecurity breach that occurred due to a lack of multi-factor authentication on one of Change's web portals, contradicting the cybersecurity measures the company publicly advocated. Despite UnitedHealth's company-wide requirement for such protections, this oversight allowed hackers from the BlackCat/ALPHV group to infiltrate Change Healthcare's systems in February, leading to the exfiltration of data and a subsequent ransomware attack that disrupted the payment processes to healthcare providers. UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty disclosed to the Senate Finance Committee the payment of $22 million in ransom to restore services, amidst criticism that basic cybersecurity practices could have prevented the breach. The incident has highlighted the challenges of enforcing cybersecurity discipline within large organizations and has drawn attention to the need for improved security standards across the health care industry.

Change Healthcare lacked safeguards even as it gave security advice Roll Call

MedStar, an American healthcare provider, has experienced a significant data breach affecting 183,000 patients. Personal and health insurance information was accessed following unauthorized entry into MedStar’s system through employee email accounts. The breach, which took place intermittently between January and October 2023, was disclosed after a comprehensive investigation that concluded in March 2024. Although there is no evidence that the information was used maliciously, MedStar has taken steps to enhance their security measures and has advised patients to monitor their healthcare statements for any discrepancies.

MedStar suffers data breach,183K patients exposed | Cybernews Cybernews

The Biden administration has introduced an ambitious new U.S. International Cyberspace and Digital Strategy, aimed at fortifying cybersecurity and regulating emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing on a global scale. Spearheaded by the State Department and formulated in collaboration with various federal agencies, the strategy emphasizes international cooperation and lawful, inclusive digital growth. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the RSA conference, highlighted the contrast between the U.S. vision of an open, secure digital future and the approaches of authoritarian regimes that utilize technology to suppress human rights. The strategy, aligned with broader national security goals, seeks to protect sensitive technologies from misuse, promote responsible AI development, and address global challenges through technological and diplomatic initiatives.

Biden Administration Launches International Cybersecurity Strategy AI Business

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In Wake of Healthcare System Cyberattack, 22 State Attorneys General Call for Further Action of Data Privacy JD Supra