FBI Warns Plastic Surgery Practices and Patients of Growing Cyber Threats

Plastic surgery practices and their patients are being targeted by cybercriminals, according to a warning issued by the FBI. These criminals aim to exploit sensitive health information and medical photos for extortion purposes. By obtaining this data, they demand ransom payments from practices and patients to prevent public disclosure or sharing with acquaintances.

Increase in Hacking Incidents

In recent months, numerous plastic surgery practices have reported hacking incidents involving stolen patient information. One such case is Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, which has not yet responded to requests for comment. Additionally, Dr. Gary Motykie’s California-based practice notified regulators in Maine about a hacking incident that potentially affected nearly 3,500 patients. These incidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within the industry.

Dark Web Upload of Stolen Data

Patient information and photos reportedly stolen from Dr. Motykie’s practices were discovered on a dark web site operated from Russia, as reported by DataBreaches.net in July. This incident underscores the global reach and complexity of cybercriminal networks targeting plastic surgery practices and the potential damage caused by data breaches.

Limited Reports to Professional Association

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has received minimal reports regarding these cyber threats, indicating a lack of awareness among industry professionals. Dr. Steven Williams, President-elect of the ASPS, confirmed this limited knowledge, stressing the need for greater vigilance and proactive cybersecurity measures.

Appeal of Plastic Surgeons to Cyber Threats

The motivation behind targeting plastic surgeons and their patients remains unclear. However, it is evident that these threat actors find them particularly attractive targets. Further investigation is needed to understand the reasons behind this heightened interest and to take appropriate preventive measures.

FBI Recommendations for Prevention

To combat these cyber threats, the FBI has advised medical practices and patients to review and strengthen their social media account settings. This includes limiting posts by others on profiles and using unique and complex passwords to secure accounts. Implementing additional security measures is also recommended to enhance overall protection against potential breaches.

Role of ASPS in Mitigating Cyber Risk

Recognizing the urgency of addressing cyber risks, the ASPS offers resources to help plastic surgeons effectively mitigate these threats. The association organizes educational meetings and webinars to keep its members informed about the latest cybersecurity practices. By promoting awareness and providing guidance, the ASPS aims to strengthen the industry’s resilience against cyberattacks.

Plastic surgery practices and patients must remain vigilant in the face of escalating cyber threats. The FBI’s warning emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between industry professionals, law enforcement agencies, and cybersecurity experts. By staying informed, adopting robust security measures, and actively engaging with organizations like the ASPS, plastic surgery practices and patients can enhance their protection against cybercriminals. Through collective efforts, the industry can safeguard sensitive health information and medical photos from falling into the wrong hands, ensuring the trust and privacy of patients remains uncompromised.

Explore more

Why Do Tech Job Seekers Face Silence After Final Interviews?

I’m thrilled to sit down with Ling-Yi Tsai, a seasoned HRTech expert with decades of experience helping organizations navigate change through innovative technology. With her deep knowledge of HR analytics tools and expertise in integrating tech solutions into recruitment, onboarding, and talent management, Ling-Yi offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of hiring in the tech industry. In this

Trend Analysis: Ukrainian Fintech Innovation Boom

In a remarkable turn of events, Fintech-IT Group, a Kyiv-based powerhouse, has achieved a staggering $1 billion valuation with a major investment from the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), thrusting Ukraine into the spotlight of the global fintech arena and highlighting its unyielding drive for innovation. This milestone, celebrated in 2025, underscores a nation’s determination to push technological boundaries despite

Real-Time Orchestration: Revolutionizing Customer Engagement

Introduction Imagine a customer browsing an online store, hesitating at checkout, and within seconds, receiving a personalized chat message offering help with a specific item in their cart—a seamless, timely interaction that isn’t a distant dream but a reality powered by real-time orchestration engines (RTOEs). These systems are transforming how businesses connect with customers by ensuring every touchpoint feels relevant

Ex-CFO Launches $33M Fund to Transform Insurance with AI

Allow me to introduce Jonathan Crystal, a seasoned insurance industry veteran who, after over two decades as an operator, has now turned his expertise into a powerful force for innovation with the launch of Crystal Venture Partners. With the recent close of a $33 million Fund I, Jonathan is on a mission to back early-stage tech founders who are reimagining

Worldline and YeePay Transform Global Travel Payments

Imagine a world where booking an international flight feels as effortless as buying a coffee down the street, with payments processed instantly across borders, no matter the currency or platform, transforming the travel experience. This vision is rapidly becoming reality as cross-border payment innovations reshape the global travel landscape. In an era of booming international tourism, the ability to execute