Hackers claim they have Jamaicans' medical records

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has revealed that hackers have contacted the National Health Fund (NHF), claiming they have access to sensitive medical information belonging to some Jamaicans.

Speaking at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Tufton confirmed that the NHF received a threat from a hacker group amid reports of a possible breach of the agency's database.

“There has been some communication from some deviant around this breach. So the NHF has confirmed receipt of a threat from a hacker group claiming to have access to some of the data. It's not yet confirmed. Even though they have indicated some of the data that they say they have, it's not yet confirmed,” Tufton said.

The minister explained that while the claims are still being investigated, the matter was serious enough for the NHF to notify the Office of the Information Commissioner and seek assistance from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

According to Tufton, the information allegedly accessed includes confidential records related to medications and prescription benefits.

“It's confidential data. We don't reveal our history of medication administration and, we do get attacks on a daily basis, just as the banks do and so on, but I just wanted to raise this to the public because something is being circulated in the space,” he said.

Tufton sought to reassure the public that steps have already been taken to strengthen the NHF's cybersecurity systems while investigations continue.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar, or on Whatsapp @ 876-550-2506.