Attackers penetrate Singaporean government health database
In July 2018, attackers broke into the SingHealth Singaporean government health database and stole names, addresses, and various other details of 1.5 million people who visited clinics between May 1, 2015 and July 4, 2018; however, the attackers did not gain access to most medical records with the exception of outpatient prescription medication data relating to about 160,000 patients including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and several ministers. The government said none of the records were amended or deleted, and that it found no breach in its other public healthcare IT systems. The attack, which the Singaporean government called "deliberate, targeted, and well-planned", was carried out by planting malware on one of SingHealth's computers. In response to the attack, Singapore halted its Smart Nation plans, including the requirement to contribute to the National Electronic Health Record project, until the cause of the breach could be thoroughly investigated.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-44900507
Writer: BBC; Irene Tham
Publication: BBC; Straits Times