Cybercriminals Use Swatting to Extort Money from Cancer Patients at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Cybercriminals are resorting to swatting as a means to extort money from vulnerable cancer patients at the Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. This criminal behavior comes in the wake of a cyberattack in November that impacted approximately 1 million individuals. As the threat of swatting looms, patients are being targeted for payments of $50 to protect their information from being sold on the dark web and to prevent false emergency calls.

Extortion Attempts and Demands

According to a proposed class action lawsuit filed against the cancer center, at least 300 current and former patients have been subjected to demands for payment to have their personal information scrubbed. The cybercriminals are exploiting the fear and vulnerability of these patients, threatening to call in bogus 911 emergencies at their homes or locations if they fail to pay the demanded ransom.

Background on the Cyberattack

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, an independent nonprofit serving as the cancer program provider of UW Medicine, detected unauthorized activity on portions of its clinical network on November 19th. This breach served as the starting point for the subsequent extortion efforts by cybercriminals.

Patient Information Breach

An investigation revealed that the attackers had successfully accessed patient information from Fred Hutchinson systems between November 19th and November 25th. This breach compromised sensitive data and raised concerns about the security measures in place to protect patient information.

Lawsuits and Allegations against Fred Hutchinson

Over the past few weeks, nearly a dozen lawsuits have been filed against the institution, alleging negligence and other missteps in safeguarding plaintiffs and class members’ sensitive information. Patients rightfully question the cancer center’s ability to protect their data, potentially leading to long-lasting consequences.

Advice from the Cancer Center

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has explicitly advised patients not to acquiesce to any ransom demands. By refusing to pay, patients avoid perpetuating the extortion attempts and contribute to a strong stance against cybercriminals.

Response from the FBI

The FBI has been made aware of the swatting threats faced by Fred Hutchinson patients. However, there is currently no information to suggest that a swatting event related to this breach has occurred. Authorities remain vigilant and encourage patients to report any suspicious activities or threats they may receive.

Concerns about Escalating Tactics

Experts express concerns about the changing nature of cybercrime tactics, with an expectation that real-world violence may eventually become part of the extortion model. Recent swatting incidents have demonstrated their potential for harm, particularly when tied to hate crimes or targeting controversial figures.

The use of swatting to extort money from cancer patients at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center exemplifies the lengths to which cybercriminals will go. It serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities individuals face in an increasingly digital world. To combat such threats, organizations must continually strengthen their cybersecurity measures and work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies to bring these criminals to justice.

Explore more

Why is LinkedIn the Go-To for B2B Advertising Success?

In an era where digital advertising is fiercely competitive, LinkedIn emerges as a leading platform for B2B marketing success due to its expansive user base and unparalleled targeting capabilities. With over a billion users, LinkedIn provides marketers with a unique avenue to reach decision-makers and generate high-quality leads. The platform allows for strategic communication with key industry figures, a crucial

Endpoint Threat Protection Market Set for Strong Growth by 2034

As cyber threats proliferate at an unprecedented pace, the Endpoint Threat Protection market emerges as a pivotal component in the global cybersecurity fortress. By the close of 2034, experts forecast a monumental rise in the market’s valuation to approximately US$ 38 billion, up from an estimated US$ 17.42 billion. This analysis illuminates the underlying forces propelling this growth, evaluates economic

How Will ICP’s Solana Integration Transform DeFi and Web3?

The collaboration between the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) and Solana is poised to redefine the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3. Announced by the DFINITY Foundation, this integration marks a pivotal step in advancing cross-chain interoperability. It follows the footsteps of previous successful integrations with Bitcoin and Ethereum, setting new standards in transactional speed, security, and user experience. Through

Embedded Finance Ecosystem – A Review

In the dynamic landscape of fintech, a remarkable shift is underway. Embedded finance is taking the stage as a transformative force, marking a significant departure from traditional financial paradigms. This evolution allows financial services such as payments, credit, and insurance to seamlessly integrate into non-financial platforms, unlocking new avenues for service delivery and consumer interaction. This review delves into the

Certificial Launches Innovative Vendor Management Program

In an era where real-time data is paramount, Certificial has unveiled its groundbreaking Vendor Management Partner Program. This initiative seeks to transform the cumbersome and often error-prone process of insurance data sharing and verification. As a leader in the Certificate of Insurance (COI) arena, Certificial’s Smart COI Network™ has become a pivotal tool for industries relying on timely insurance verification.