National

Sydney cancer centre data subject to ransom threat

By AAP Newswire

May 5, 2023

A cyber security themed image — A group calling itself Medusa is threatening to release private data from a Sydney cancer centre. -AAP Image

A letter to a patient is among private information from a Sydney cancer centre subject to a ransomware group's attack.

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NSW Health is investigating the potential hack after the group threatened to expose data purportedly taken from the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, which forms part of the Sydney West Cancer Network.

The health authority learned of the threat on Thursday and initial investigations suggested the attack had not impacted any NSW Health databases, nor Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre databases.

"The safety and security of all NSW Health systems remains of highest importance and is continually monitored and safeguarded," a spokesperson said on Friday.

"NSW Health works closely with State and Federal Government cyber security agencies to ensure that any cyber event is prevented, detected and responded to in the most appropriate manner."

The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre provides research, prevention, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients and families coping with cancer.

The threat was posted by a group calling itself Medusa with a seven-day countdown timer and a button to pay $100,000 to "delete all data".

Threat analyst Brett Callow said a sample of the purported data included a letter to a patient.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press