Cyber Incident Victim: Nuvance Health
Date:
Sep 2020
Location:
United States of America
Summary
Nuvance Health is also hit by the Blackbaud ransomware attack.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 0 motives | 1 technique |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
Incident Report: Nuvance Health Cyber Incident
Reported Date: September 11, 2020
Motive for Attack: Financial
Technique Used: Exfiltration from Application Server
On September 11, 2020, Nuvance Health reported a cyber incident involving the exfiltration of data from an application server. The motive behind this attack was financial. The breach, impacting sensitive patient and employee data, highlights the continued threats to healthcare organizations' cybersecurity.
1. Third-Party Data Breach: Nuvance Health announced a third-party data breach that occurred on September 11, 2020. The incident involved unauthorized access to Nuvance Health's systems and the exfiltration of data.
2. Motive - Financial Gain: The primary motive behind the attack was financial. The attackers aimed to profit from the exfiltrated data, potentially by selling it on the dark web or using it for other financial gain purposes.
3. Exfiltration from Application Server: The technique used in this cyber incident was the exfiltration of data from an application server. Application servers often contain sensitive information, and unauthorized access to them can result in data breaches.
4. Data Impacted: The breach compromised a substantial amount of sensitive data, including patient and employee information. While the exact extent of the data loss was not disclosed, healthcare organizations typically store a wide range of sensitive data, including patient medical records, personal information, and financial details.
5. Third-Party Involvement: This incident was categorized as a third-party data breach, indicating that the attackers may have exploited a vulnerability in a service or system provided by an external organization. Healthcare providers frequently collaborate with various third-party vendors and partners, increasing the potential attack surface for cybercriminals.
The Nuvance Health cyber incident underscores several significant aspects:
1. Continued Threat to Healthcare: Healthcare organizations are a prime target for cyberattacks due to the wealth of sensitive information they handle. This incident is another example of the persistent threat healthcare providers face.
2. Financial Motive: The financial motive for the attack is a common trend in cybersecurity incidents, particularly in cases of data breaches. Attackers seek to profit from stolen data.
3. Exfiltration Technique: The technique used in this incident, data exfiltration from an application server, is a concerning security breach. It indicates that attackers had unauthorized access to a critical server with the ability to extract sensitive information.
4. Data Sensitivity: Healthcare providers store an extensive array of highly sensitive data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Patient medical records, personal information, and financial details are all at risk during such breaches.
5. Third-Party Risks: Collaboration with third-party vendors and partners exposes healthcare organizations to additional cybersecurity risks. It is crucial for organizations to vet and secure these relationships to mitigate potential threats.
The Nuvance Health cyber incident reported on September 11, 2020, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by healthcare organizations. The financial motive behind the attack, the exfiltration of sensitive data, and the involvement of a third-party highlight the need for robust security measures, regular assessments, and vigilance in safeguarding patient and employee information.
Healthcare providers must prioritize cybersecurity to protect against data breaches and data exfiltration, which could have severe consequences for individuals and organizations alike. By doing so, they can reduce the risk of financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences associated with such incidents.