Singapore says hackers stole 1.5 million health records in record cyberattack

Singaporean authorities say the theft is the city state's biggest data breach to date
Singaporean authorities say the theft is the city state's biggest data breach to date

Hackers have stolen health records belonging to 1.5 million Singaporeans, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who was specifically targeted in the city state's biggest ever data breach, authorities said Friday.

Singapore's health and ministries said a government was broken into in a "deliberate, targeted and well-planned" strike, describing the attack as "unprecedented".

"Attackers specifically and repeatedly targeted the personal particulars and outpatient information of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong," minister Gan Kim Yong told a media conference.

Officials declined to elaborate on the identity of the hackers citing "operational security".

Wealthy Singapore is hyper connected and on a drive to digitise government databases and essential services.

While the city-state has some of the most advanced military weaponry in the region, authorities have long warned of cyber breaches, with attackers ranging from high-school students in their basements to criminals and state-actors.

In 2017, hackers broke into a defence ministry database, stealing the information of some 850 army conscripts and ministry staff.

© 2018 AFP

Citation: Singapore says hackers stole 1.5 million health records in record cyberattack (2018, July 20) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2018-07-singapore-hackers-stole-million-health.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Singapore invites cyberattacks to strengthen defences

13 shares

Feedback to editors