The rise in cyberattacks targeting hospitals and healthcare organizations has raised concerns over data breaches and the leakage of personal information. A recent revelation suggests that the CoWIN portal, a platform for Covid vaccinations where individuals submit their personal details, may be responsible for a data breach. The Malayala Manorama report claims that the messaging service Telegram has access to the personal data of Indian citizens, including Aadhaar and PAN card details.
To shed light on these reports and the implications of data breaches, we reached out to cybersecurity experts for their insights. Dr. Sanjay Katkar, Joint Managing Director and CTO of Quick Heal Technologies, emphasized the seriousness of data breaches and their potential consequences. “The leak of personal details such as mobile numbers, Aadhaar numbers, passport numbers, and voter IDs is a matter of great concern,” he said. Dr. Katkar highlighted the risks of identity theft, phishing attempts, and other fraudulent activities that can arise from such breaches. He stressed the need for continuous improvement in security infrastructure to prevent data breaches and protect personal information.
Rohit Aradhya, Vice President and Managing Director of Barracuda Networks India, explained why healthcare organizations are attractive targets for cybercriminals. He cited the evolving threat landscape, where attackers constantly adapt their techniques to launch sophisticated attacks. Additionally, hospitals store vast amounts of valuable personal data, which can be exploited for various purposes such as accessing health information, insurance fraud, or ransom demands. The significant value associated with healthcare data makes these organizations prime targets for cybercriminals.
It’s worth mentioning previous incidents, such as the ransomware attack on AIIMS-Delhi’s online services, the cyberattack on Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, and multiple attempts to hack the website of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
These recent data breach allegations against the CoWIN portal highlight the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare and digital platforms. Protecting data privacy and implementing stringent security measures are crucial to safeguard personal information. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their defense against malicious actors.
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Gangtokian Web Team, 15/06/23