Seattle Cancer Center’s $52.5M Cyber Settlement: From Hack to Hilarity?
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle agreed to a $52.5 million settlement after a cyberattack threatened cancer patients with swatting. The cybercriminals used stolen sensitive data for extortion. The settlement covers cash payouts, infrastructure improvements, and fraud monitoring for affected individuals. Fred Hutch claims no ransom was paid, and no patient data has been sold.
Hot Take:
In a shocking twist, cybercriminals have figured out how to combine their love for chaos with their disdain for human decency. Who knew hackers could stoop so low as to ruin Thanksgiving with a side dish of swatting threats? Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is now paying the price for this cyber buffet with a whopping $52.5 million settlement. Just when you thought you could trust your turkey, you get hit with a ransomware pie!
Key Points:
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center faced a cyberattack during Thanksgiving 2023, leading to a $52.5 million settlement.
- Criminals used stolen patient data for aggressive extortion tactics, including swatting threats.
- The settlement includes payments, infrastructure improvements, and medical fraud monitoring.
- Hunters International ransomware group claimed responsibility for the attack.
- The attack exploited the CitrixBleed vulnerability, prompting a potential rebranding of the group.