In a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of critical healthcare infrastructure, Seattle-based Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Fred Hutch) fell victim to a sophisticated cyberattack in November 2023. This attack, targeting sensitive patient data and disrupting vital operations, has sent shockwaves through the medical community and beyond.
What happened?
Unidentified attackers gained unauthorized access to Fred Hutch’s clinical network, compromising the personal information of an estimated 800,000 patients. This information included names, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, medical history, lab results, and insurance history. While the extent of the attack and the attackers’ motives remain unclear, the potential consequences are deeply troubling.
