Computer hackers spent months hacking into the systems at the University of California, Los Angeles hospital system. The attack put the personal information of as many as 4.5 million people at risk, although there is no evidence that the hackers gathered any of the data.
Officials said they were working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to track the source of the computer attacks. The FBI said it is looking into what kind of computer attack it was and for the person or group responsible.
University of California President Janet Napolitano, who has served as Secretary of Homeland Security, ordered outside experts on computer security to assess the security of systems throughout the University of California system and to look for potential vulnerabilities. UCLA Health has hired private computer forensic experts to further secure information at its four hospitals. It also is offering free identity-protection services to people whose personal information may have been affected.
The attack may have started as early as September 2014. At that time, hackers gained access to a UCLA Health network that contains information such as patient names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, medical record numbers, Medicare or health plan ID numbers, and some medical information," according to a statement from UCLA. All of this information can be sold and is a lucrative target for hackers.
"We sincerely regret any impact this incident may have on those we serve," said Dr. James Atkinson, UCLA Health's interim associate vice chancellor and president. "We have taken significant steps to further protect data and strengthen our network against another cyber-attack."
Other healthcare systems have been hacked, including Anthem, the health insurance company.
UCLA Health includes four hospitals on two campuses - Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center; UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica; Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA; and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA. It also includes more than 150 primary and specialty offices throughout Southern California.
