Site icon VMVirtualMachine.com

UnitedHealth CEO alleges hackers exploited Citrix vulnerability to breach system – CIO News

UnitedHealth CEO alleges hackers exploited Citrix vulnerability to breach system – CIO News

In a recent cybersecurity breach, hackers exploited a software vulnerability in Citrix, a commercial IT vendor, to gain access to UnitedHealth’s IT systems. This breach allowed employees to remotely view their desktop computers. UnitedHealth, the largest health insurer in America, will be testifying before a House panel following this incident.

The CEO of UnitedHealth, Andrew Witty, is scheduled to appear before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to address the breach that occurred in the company’s Change Healthcare division. Hackers, identified as AlphV or BlackCat, infiltrated Change Healthcare’s computers and demanded a ransom to unlock them. Witty’s written testimony revealed that the attackers accessed the Citrix portal without using multi-factor authentication, indicating a serious security lapse.

Following the breach, UnitedHealth took immediate action by cutting off connectivity to Change Healthcare’s data centers to prevent further infections. The company has been working closely with the FBI and cybersecurity firms like Google, Microsoft, Cisco, Amazon, and Palo Alto Networks to investigate and mitigate the impact of the breach. Witty mentioned that a ransom was paid to the hackers to ensure the decryption of Change Healthcare’s systems, although the exact amount remains undisclosed.

The aftermath of the hack has raised concerns about the security of patient and doctor information, as well as the impact on healthcare payment processes in the United States. With half of all medical claims processed through exchanges, the security breach has underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry.

Despite the collaboration with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies, the breach has highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with third-party vendors like Citrix. US officials had previously warned about security flaws in Citrix technologies that could be exploited by cybercriminals to target healthcare organizations.

As UnitedHealth continues to address the fallout from the breach, discussions are expected to focus on the implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the overall healthcare system. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats posed by cyberattacks and the critical need for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity defenses.

CIO News, a leading platform in the technology and IT sector, is dedicated to providing the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, CIO News aims to keep executives and professionals informed about the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Established in June 2020, CIO News is committed to expanding globally and targeting markets in the Middle East and Africa, ASEAN, US, and UK.

Owned by Marketing Multiventures Pvt Ltd., CIO News offers a comprehensive resource for industry professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of technology and IT. Follow CIO News on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter for more updates and insights from the CIO industry.

Article Source
https://cionews.co.in/the-ceo-of-unitedhealth-claims-citrix-vulnerability/

Exit mobile version