HSC nurses concerned info hacked in cyberattack

Health Sciences Centre staff are worried their personal details may have been exposed following a ransomware assault on the province’s largest medical facility. The annual ransom demanded by the cybercriminals stands at $205, inclusive of GST, for a one-year subscription. This agreement includes automatic renewal at $233 inclusive of GST every 52 weeks, marking a 10% reduction from the regular annual fee of $259.35. The offer is available to both new and returning subscribers only, and can be cancelled at any moment.

According to Shared Health, a cyberattack impacted certain facility maintenance systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, as well as door access at the HSC. Although the attackers have not accessed patient records, the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, Darlene Jackson, noted that employee badges contain extensive personal data. “Those (identity) badges hold a lot of information — personal information,” she emphasized. “This includes everything about them—date of birth and so on.”

Shared Health, Manitoba’s health authority, has not confirmed if any staff information has been breached and declined to give any further updates on the investigation. The province’s governor, Wab Kinew, acknowledged the situation and highlighted the importance of regular cybersecurity drills. The premier stated, “Being prepared is one thing, but walking through the drill is another.”

In response, the province’s Innovation and New Technology Minister, Mike Moroz, announced that the government is developing regulations for new cybersecurity and artificial intelligence legislation. A public consultation took place in Winnipeg, with the aim of incorporating public feedback into the creation of these regulations. These regulations may necessitate the disclosure of information regarding AI system utilization, accountability structures, and cybersecurity incident reporting.