MediSecure Requests Bailout After Cyber Attack

MediSecure, a health company involved in electronic prescriptions, has requested a bailout from the Australian federal government following a large-scale ransomware data breach. The breach, which occurred earlier this month, resulted in the theft of personal information and prescription details from MediSecure’s systems up to November last year. Some of this stolen data is now being sold on the dark web.

Australia’s Cyber Security coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, confirmed that the stolen data has been advertised for sale online, advising Australians not to seek out this information as it supports cybercriminal activities. The Australian Federal Police and the Australian Signals Directorate are investigating the incident.

MediSecure’s request for financial support to cover operating costs since the attack has been declined by the government. This marks the first time a private company has sought financial assistance from the government following a cyber attack. Despite the breach, MediSecure assured that paper and electronic prescriptions continue to operate normally, and the incident has not affected the way people access medical help.

MediSecure, which was one of two companies offering a national electronic prescription service, missed out on a significant federal contract last year. The company facilitated over 122 million ePrescriptions between May 2020 and March 2023.

Source: ABC

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