What would you do if your customers’ sensitive information fell into the wrong hands? The recent Freedman HealthCare health data hack proves that digital breaches have become alarmingly common, impacting establishments of all sizes. Learn more about it here.
Inside World Leaks: The Cybercriminals Behind Major Data Breaches
World Leaks, formerly Hunters International, is a notorious hacking group that leverages data exfiltration and double extortion tactics to siphon money from companies globally. Their past victims include:
- Austal USA
- Toyota Brazil
- Caxton and CTP Publishers and Printers
- NanoLumens
- Integrated Control
- Frederick Wildman and Sons
- Kablutronik SRL
Is your establishment in the healthcare or insurance sector? World Leaks’ most recent exploit is Freedman HealthCare, a US-based data and analytics firm that caters to state agencies, health providers, and insurance companies. The threat actors claim to have stolen 52.4 GB of data containing 42,204 files and are threatening to release them soon.
Top Cyber Threats You Can’t Afford To Ignore
Cybercriminals don’t discriminate. They target every company, from industry giants to startups and small businesses. The most common weaknesses they exploit include:
- A poorly trained team: Human error remains a leading cause of data breaches. All it takes is one click on a phishing email or carelessly divulging login credentials to compromise your system.
- Remote setups: Work-from-home options bring many worthwhile advantages like flexibility and cost savings, but they also open doors for attacks due to unsecured networks and inconsistent security practices.
- Subpar defenses: Almost every operation is digital and relies heavily on technology. Robust cybersecurity systems are no longer optional but essential.
How Do You Protect Your Establishment From a Data Breach?
It’s not about whether an attack will happen but when it will happen. Take the proactive route and follow these steps:
Conduct Awareness Training
Even the most sophisticated forms of social engineering fail when you have a vigilant workforce. Teach everyone, from new hires to team managers, to pause, verify, and think critically before acting.
Back-Up Your Data
Thwart a ransomware attack by maintaining regular data backups. Many companies practice the 3-2-1 strategy, where you make three copies, store them in two types of media, and keep one offsite. The most important information includes:
- Financial statements
- Medical information, such as patient records
- Customer and client contact information
- Employee personnel records
- Intellectual property, such as proprietary designs or trade secrets
Require Strong Passwords
Long gone are the days when you can use “12345” or your birthday as a code and call it a day. Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible, too.
Secure Your Hardware
Stolen company equipment can pose huge risks. Always lock laptops, phones, and other mobile devices when unattended.
Securing Your Business Starts Today
Thankfully, the recent health data hack didn’t end with a HIPAA violation or massive financial penalties for Freedman HealthCare. The company hired third-party specialists to tighten its defenses and keep client data safe. This cybersecurity incident should serve as a wake-up call for other businesses.
