United Healthcare, Specifically Through its Subsidiary ‘Change Healthcare’, Experienced Significant Ransomware Attacks in 2024
By LauraAboli
United Healthcare, specifically through its subsidiary ‘Change Healthcare’, experienced significant ransomware attacks in 2024. Here’s a summary based on the available information:
Cyberattack Details: Change Healthcare, a unit of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division, was hit by a ransomware attack on February 21, 2024. The attack was attributed to a Russian-speaking ransomware gang known as ALPHV or Blackcat. This group claimed to have stolen over six terabytes of sensitive data, including medical records.
The Impact: The attack led to widespread disruptions in the U.S. healthcare system, affecting pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical providers by preventing them from processing claims and receiving payments. This caused significant operational and financial chaos.
Financial Impact: The immediate aftermath of the attack was reported to cost UnitedHealth around $872 million in the first quarter, not including potential ransom payments. However, the total financial impact was projected to be between $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion for the year.
Ransom Payment: There were reports and confirmations that UnitedHealth paid a ransom of $22 million in Bitcoin to the attackers, with the aim of protecting patient data from being disclosed.
Data Breach: The breach potentially compromised the personal and health information of over 100 million individuals, making it one of the largest breaches in healthcare history.
Investigations and Response: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched an investigation due to the magnitude of the incident. UnitedHealth has been working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and restore systems. They’ve also provided temporary funding assistance to affected healthcare providers.
Original source: https://t.me/LauraAbolichannel/65119