Ransomware Attack May Have Affected up to 3,700 Rise Wisconsin Plan Participants

by | Jun 12, 2018

3,700 plan members of Rise Wisconsin are being warned that some of their protected health information may have been obtained by unauthorized people during a recent ransomware attack.

It is estimated that the ransomware was placed on on its IT systems around April 8, 2018. The ransomware attack was identified swiftly, although not in time to avoid the encryption of data.

Rise Wisconsin (previously known as Community Partnerships Inc., and Center for Families) contracted third party computer forensics experts to help with the breach investigation and recovery process. While the review did not find any proof to suggest protected health information was accessed or taken in the hack, it was not possible to eliminate data access and data theft with a high degree of certainty.

The sort of data that possibly was accessed by the hackers includes names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and, for certain patients, a limited amount of health data.  No financial details were compromised.

Rise Wisconsin has not revealed how much the attackers sought in return for the security keys to unlock the encrypted data or whether that ransom demand was met.

Rise Wisconsin takes the security of health information very seriously and had put in place a range of security measures to prevent the unauthorized accessing of PHI. In this instance those controls proved insufficient; however, steps have now been taken to strengthen security and eliminate further incidents of this nature. Those measures include placing further restrictions on network access and increasing staff information security awareness education.

The incident has been made known to appropriate authorities and law enforcement is looking into the attack. The breach report filed to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR) states that 3,731 plan subscribers members have been affected by the cyber attack.

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Patrick Kennedy

Patrick Kennedy is a highly accomplished journalist and editor with nearly two decades of experience in the field. With expertise in writing and editing content, Patrick has made significant contributions to various publications and organizations. Over the course of his career, Patrick has successfully managed teams of writers, overseeing the production of high-quality content and ensuring its adherence to professional standards. His exceptional leadership skills, combined with his deep understanding of journalistic principles, have allowed him to create cohesive and engaging narratives that resonate with readers. A notable area of specialization for Patrick lies in compliance, particularly in relation to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). He has authored numerous articles delving into the complexities of compliance and its implications for various industries. Patrick's comprehensive understanding of HIPAA regulations has positioned him as a go-to expert, sought after for his insights and expertise in this field. Patrick's bachelors degree is from the University of Limerick and his master's degree in journalism is from Dublin City University. You can contact Patrick through his LinkedIn profile:

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