Data breakdown in Denmark: 57,000 patients in great danger!

Data breakdown in Denmark: 57,000 patients in great danger!

A recently uncovered data breakdown from Denmark raises serious questions about the safety of the electronic patient file (EPA), especially in the context of German health facilities. The Danish broadcaster DR reported two affected women, Dorte Linnemann and Anja Kronborg, who feel naked and vulnerable due to the incident. The data breakdown concerns the consortium everything that operates medical practices and looks after around 130,000 people. Around 57,000 of these are directly affected, since their contact details, CPR numbers and about 14,000 patients were also taken off. It is alarming that those affected were only informed three weeks after the hack, which leads to an increased concern about possible identity thefts and financial damage. So far, no fraud cases are known to the authorities, but the situation is assessed as worrying.

Allan Frank, IT security specialist, warns of possible extortion and social engineering attacks, while Denmark is considered a pioneer in the digitization of the health system. The incident shows that even advanced digital systems can have security deficiencies. Similar problems were also found in Germany, where weaknesses in the EPA are not fully resolved. The Federal Office of Information Technology (BSI) has sharply criticized IT security in medical practices. Last January there was also a data leak at D-Trust, which affected 1,200 doctors, and another security gap in the ZAR RHEHA clinics.

security deficiencies require changes

The recent healthcare incidents are part of a growing problem. Cybercrime is increasingly aimed at clinics, medical practices and health service providers, whereby sensitive patient data, networked medical devices and hospital information systems are among the main striking targets. Successful cyber attacks can not only cause high financial damage, but also endanger people's lives. In addition to the current cases, the need to promote a proactive security culture in healthcare in Germany is emphasized. IT expert Bianca Kastl asks to set cybersecurity as a top priority.

The protection of sensitive data is particularly important because the healthcare system places high demands on data security, in particular by the GDPR and industry -specific security standards. The implementation of meticulous security measures, such as the implementation of penetration tests and awareness training, could be crucial to ensure the integrity of the systems.

The role of electronic patient files

The EPA offers numerous advantages, including seamless documentation and better information exchange between health service providers. Nevertheless, it also harbors considerable dangers, such as the possibility of theft of critical health data and uncertain interfaces that are susceptible to phishing and social engineering attacks. In the digital world, a safe authentication is of crucial importance to ensure identity -based access. To do this, username, password or biometric data can be used that must be linked in a safe environment. Users have to authenticate themselves with the electronic health card and a PIN or health ID for access to the EPA.

The healthcare system has the opportunity to learn from the current challenges and to ensure the future security of patient/user data. Only through a comprehensive and dynamic examination of the risks and the correct solutions can the security gaps already recognized and the trust in the digital offers of the health sector can be strengthened.

In summary it can be said that data protection and secure digital infrastructures are fundamental for successful digitization in the healthcare system.