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.
Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health Finalize Partnership
Cornerstone Behavioral Healthcare Falls Victim to Ransomware Attack
Containing Candida Auris Across the Care Continuum
Early Entry: Manager's Critical Role in Construction Planning