News > Cyber-Security > CS-General
by Kevin Wood

Change Healthcare Cyberattack Fuels Surge in Patient-Targeted Scams

 

 

The fall out continues

The recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare, a major healthcare technology provider, has unleashed a wave of opportunistic scams targeting patients of affected healthcare systems. Scammers are exploiting the confusion and concern surrounding the attack to trick individuals into divulging sensitive personal information or paying fraudulent fees. Balance Business Group (BBG) urges patients to exercise extreme caution when receiving any unsolicited communications related to the Change Healthcare breach.

Phone Scam Surge

Reports from healthcare organizations and news outlets like the Minnesota Hospital Association indicate a sharp increase in scam phone calls directed at patients. These scammers often pose as representatives from hospitals, clinics, or insurance providers. They may claim that the patient’s medical records have been compromised and offer to resolve the issue in exchange for payment, personal information, or both.

Tactics Employed by Scammers

• False Sense of Urgency: Scammers will often try to pressure patients into acting quickly by claiming limited time offers, impending account lockouts, or threats of legal action.
• Spoofing Caller ID: They can manipulate caller ID systems to appear as if the call is originating from a legitimate healthcare organization.
• Mimicking Official Language: Scammers may use technical jargon or reference the Change Healthcare attack to sound more credible.
• Demanding Unusual Payment Methods: Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are strong indicators of a scam.

Additional Threat Vectors

While phone calls are the primary tactic reported, patients should be aware of other potential scam methods:

• Phishing Emails: Scammers may send emails with malicious links or attachments designed to steal personal information or install malware on devices. These emails can be highly sophisticated, mimicking the branding and style of genuine healthcare organizations.
• Fake Websites: Fraudulent websites may be set up to resemble official healthcare portals. Victims lured to these sites could unwittingly provide their login credentials or financial information.
• Text Messages (Smishing): Similar to phishing emails, scammers may use text messages to direct victims to fraudulent websites or request sensitive information.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Never Trust Unsolicited Communications: If you receive an unexpected phone call, email, or text message related to the Change Healthcare attack, do not respond. Hang up the phone and reach out directly to your healthcare provider or insurance company using their official contact information. Legitimate organizations will not demand immediate payment or sensitive information over the phone.

2. Verify URLs and Email Addresses: Before clicking on any links or opening attachments, carefully examine the web address (URL) or email sender. Look for suspicious misspellings, unusual domain names, or extra characters.

3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to your healthcare provider and relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement.

BBG: Your Cybersecurity Partner

The Change Healthcare cyberattack underscores the evolving threat landscape faced by healthcare organizations and patients alike. Balance Business Group (BBG) is committed to helping businesses and individuals stay safe in the digital world. Our suite of cybersecurity solutions, including disaster recovery protocols, ransomware protection, secure web browsing, and ongoing security training, can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime.

For more information on how BBG can fortify your cybersecurity posture, visit our website or contact us directly.

Remember: Trust, but Verify

Scammers are masters of manipulation. They understand how to exploit fear and confusion to achieve their goals. During a crisis situation like a major cyberattack, it’s even more critical to remain vigilant and question everything.

Key Takeaways

• Your healthcare provider will have the most accurate information: They have the latest updates on the Change Healthcare breach and how it might specifically affect you.
• No legitimate organization will pressure you into making immediate decisions: Take your time, research, and verify all requests before acting.
• Err on the side of caution: If something feels off about a communication, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to disengage and report the incident.

Balance Business Group:
Proactive Cybersecurity for Healthcare

The healthcare sector is a prime target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of the data it holds. While individuals need to take steps to safeguard themselves, healthcare organizations also bear a significant responsibility in protecting patient information.

BBG offers tailored cybersecurity solutions for healthcare providers that mitigate risk and ensure compliance with industry regulations:

• Robust Network Security: We implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and multi-factor authentication to secure healthcare networks and prevent unauthorized access.
• Data Encryption: Sensitive patient data is protected both at rest and in transit, rendering it useless to hackers.
• Regular Vulnerability Assessments: We proactively scan for potential weaknesses in systems and software, allowing for timely patching and remediation.
• Employee Cybersecurity Training: A well-informed workforce is the first line of defense. BBG’s engaging training programs educate staff on how to identify phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and other common cyber threats.

The Bottom Line

The Change Healthcare cyberattack serves as a stark reminder that everyone must play a role in cybersecurity. By remaining vigilant, questioning unusual requests, and adopting proactive cybersecurity measures, individuals and organizations alike can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to opportunistic scams.

Balance Business Group is here to help businesses and individuals navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive security solutions.