AUCyber chief says government and providers must do more to protect healthcare data
A dramatic increase in reported data breaches in the first half of 2024 has led AUCyber’s Peter Maloney to call for more action on the cybersecurity front.
The dramatic figures released by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) have prompted AUCyber CEO Peter Maloney to call on healthcare providers and the government to do more to protect sensitive data from patients.
OAIC figures revealed a 9 per cent increase in reported data breaches during the first six months of 2024, with the commissioner receiving 527 data breach notifications.
Alarmingly, cybersecurity issues were responsible for 38 percent of total breaches.
The same period also saw the largest data breach ever recorded under the Reportable Data Breach scheme, which the OAIC drew particular attention to: the May MediSecure breach in which the prescription data of more than 12 million Australians for sale online.
“Our research shows that 71 per cent of Australians believe safeguarding healthcare data is primarily the responsibility of the federal government and healthcare institutions,” Maloney (pictured) said in a statement.
AUCyber’s 2024 Cybersecurity Healthcare Reportwhich surveyed 1,000 Australians aged 18 and over in June, also found that 81 per cent of Australians were concerned about the security of their health data.
“The stakes are high and it is crucial that these entities act decisively to protect personal information,” Maloney said.
“Healthcare providers must strengthen their defenses and take comprehensive measures to protect against cyber threats.
“Protecting sensitive health information is not only a regulatory obligation but a crucial element of maintaining public trust.”
