We are writing to inform you about a recent cyber attack on MediSecure that has compromised both patient and doctor data. Although WentWest is not involved in this incident, we believe it is essential to keep you informed and encourage vigilance to protect your data and that of your patients.
What Happened?
In May 2023, MediSecure experienced a cyber attack that led to unauthorised access to its systems. This breach affected personal and potentially sensitive medical information related to prescriptions distributed by MediSecure’s systems up until November 2023. MediSecure is working with cybersecurity experts to address the breach and enhance their security measures.
Who Should Be Concerned?
- General practitioners: If you have used MediSecure for prescription deliveries, your personal information and that of your patients may be at risk. This includes Medicare Provider Numbers (MPN) and PBS prescriber numbers, although these alone are insufficient to access Medicare records
- Pharmacists: If you received prescriptions via MediSecure, be aware that prescription data may have been compromised
- Patients: Those who had prescriptions processed through MediSecure up until November 2023 should be vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their personal and medical information
Recommended Actions for You
- Stay informed: Look out for direct communications from MediSecure with specific information and updates
- Monitor accounts: Be vigilant and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unusual activity immediately to MediSecure and your IT department
- Update security measures: Ensure your practice’s cybersecurity measures are up-to-date. Use strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and keep your software updated
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about the MediSecure cyber security incident and protective measures, please refer to the official resource provided by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.
Our Commitment
At WentWest, we are committed to ensuring the security and privacy of our health care community. While we are not directly involved in this incident, we want to ensure that you are well-informed and prepared to protect your data. We recommend referring to MediSecure and the provided government resource for the most accurate information.
23 May 2024