Change Healthcare faces second ransomware dilemma weeks after ALPHV attack

Change Healthcare faces second ransomware dilemma weeks after ALPHV attack

April 8, 2024 at 09:03AM

Change Healthcare is reportedly facing a second ransomware attack by RansomHub, demanding a payment to avoid data exposure. This follows a previous attack by ALPHV, which the company allegedly paid $22 million to. Questions arise regarding why this has happened and theories suggest the initial payment may have led to further extortion. UnitedHealth, Change Healthcare’s parent company, initially suspected nation state attackers, leading to severe disruptions in services. The healthcare industry’s data watchdog is set to investigate the incident.

Based on the meeting notes, here are the key takeaways:
1. Change Healthcare is allegedly being extorted by a second ransomware gang, RansomHub, following an earlier attack by ALPHV.
2. RansomHub claims to possess 4 TB of sensitive data from Change Healthcare and is demanding a ransom within 12 days or it will be sold to the highest bidder.
3. There are theories that the second attack is related to ALPHV’s alleged 100% retention of a previous ransom payment from Change Healthcare, prompting the affiliate responsible for the attack to switch allegiances to RansomHub.
4. It is suggested that paying the initial ransom may have opened the door for further extortion and attacks.
5. Change Healthcare suffered severe disruption to its systems and services as a result of the cyberattack in February, leading to investigations and financial impacts.
6. The situation raises concerns about the lack of trustworthiness in dealing with ransomware gangs and emphasizes the need for robust data protection measures.

If you need further details or analysis on any specific aspect, please let me know.

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