A data breach has affected U.S. pharmaceutical giant Cencora, exposing personal and sensitive medical information of individuals. The breach included patient names, addresses, dates of birth, health diagnoses, and medication details. The cyberattack began on Feb. 21 but was publicly disclosed a week later on Feb. 27.
Cencora, previously known as AmerisourceBergen, handles 20% of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. It is unclear how many individuals have been affected, but the company has identified and notified around half a million people. However, some affected individuals have incomplete address information, so Cencora published a notice on its website to reach them.
The breach has impacted at least 23 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, indicating a broader impact than initially reported. It is crucial to stay informed, monitor accounts for any suspicious activity, and use identity theft protection services. Changing passwords, being vigilant against phishing attempts, and being cautious of mailbox communications are essential steps to take in the aftermath of the breach.
Cencora has completed its investigation and is offering 24 months of credit monitoring services to affected individuals. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the company for failing to safeguard patient data and delaying notification. It is important to be cautious and protect personal information to prevent further harm from potential scammers on the dark web.
In conclusion, the recent cyberattacks on health care institutions highlight the importance of strengthening security measures. While data breaches cannot be reversed, individuals can protect themselves by being vigilant and cautious. It is advisable to avoid sharing personal information and clicking on untrusted links. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches.
