In a new report on the state of healthcare data security, Malwarebytes reports that cyber criminals can use patient data to create "synthetic identities" according to an article on the Tech Republic website.
Synthetic identities are new, unique identities built from amalgamations of data taken from various individual records.
They can use this new identity to buy medical equipment, prescription drugs, get medical services, or even "combine a patient number with a made-up name of a health provider to file medical insurance claims," the report said.
Cyber criminals have even used x-ray machines to launch malware attacks.
Achieving Better Treatment Spaces Through Co-Design
Prisma Health to Acquire 36 Urgent Care Sites in South Carolina from Novant Health
Modoc Medical Center Discloses Data Breach
Creating Healthcare Campus Master Plans That Allow Movement and Respite
Aspirus Health Celebrates Opening of Chippewa Falls Hospital and Clinic