MediSecure breach: ‘no impact’ on current e-scripts

2 minute read


Australians are still in the dark about whether they have been impacted by the electronic prescriptions provider’s ‘large-scale’ data breach.


Federal investigators trying to piece together what data has been impacted by the “large-scale” MediSecure cyberattack have moved to reassure Australians there has been no impact to ePrescription services currently in use across the country. 

They also say there is no evidence of an increased cyberthreat to the medical sector in general. 

Investigators are meeting today with key health sector industry bodies to discuss the national response to the ransomware data breach which has targeted the electronic prescription provider. 

National Cyber Security Coordinator, Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC, said in a statement that the talks will include the Australian Medical Association, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and major private hospital providers. 

“These organisations and their members will play a key role in our response in the coming days and weeks,” she said. 

MediSecure and the government confirmed the cyberattack on Thursday this week, with MediSecure saying it had “taken steps” to limit the damage of the breach and was working with authorities. 

Its website remains locked down save a company statement about the cyberattack, and no further statements have been issued. 

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Lt-Gen McGuiness said they were still working to build a picture of the size and nature of the data that has been impacted by the MediSecure data breach. 

“This discovery work often takes time and I understand Australians are anxious about the possibility of their personal information being affected,” she said. 
 
“I want to assure everyone that we are working as fast as we can to complete our assessment and when we have further information to share about what has been impacted, we will share this with you – along with what affected people may need to do to protect themselves.  
 
“From the information that is currently available to the Government, no current ePrescriptions have been impacted or accessed. The Department of Health has confirmed there has been no impact to the ePrescription services currently in use.” 

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