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Dean Levitt
Paubox Weekly: FBI releases document outlining recent ransomware trends
Dean Levitt : October 6, 2023
Hello world,
Hello world,
Today’s Paubox Weekly is 662 words - a 3 minute read.
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1. Report reveals ransomware attacks reached record high in July
The Record’s ransomware tracker has released data on July attacks, showing a new high in ransom-based extortion.
What's happening: There were 484 attacks in July, while only 408 in June. The uptick was partially due to the MOVEit attack from Russia-based ransomware group Clop.
The big picture: The report found 36 healthcare organizations were victimized by nefarious groups in both June and July.
Ransomware attacks in healthcare remain high
Did you know?
You can earn $250 for every organization you send our way. Here's how.
2. Goal achieved: Paubox matching donation program for Maui wildfires
I'm pleased to announce we've achieved our goal of matching $5,000 of donations made to the Maui Strong Fund, from both our staff and customers.
By the numbers:
- We announced we'd match up to $5,000 of donations made to the Maui Strong Fund, either via our customers or staff.
- We crossed the $5,000 threshold (and then some).
- Mahalo to our staff for donating, as well as our customers HPG Resources and Malama Ola Health Services.
HIPAA compliant online forms
Securely collect information and files from patients. Free with your Paubox Email Suite account. How it works.
3. The Joint Commission releases guidance on cyberattack response
In the Joint Commission's Sentinel Event Alert, the organization provides guidance on preserving patient safety following a cyber attack.
Why it matters: The guidance was issued in response to rapidly increasing cyberattacks. The report includes suggestions to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.
4. International takedown disrupts Qakbot malware
The Justice Department spearheaded a multinational operation to dismantle the notorious Qakbot botnet and malware.
What they're saying: Attorney General Merrick Garland said, "Together with our international partners, the Justice Department has hacked Qakbot's infrastructure, launched an aggressive campaign to uninstall the malware from victim computers in the United States and around the world, and seized $8.6 million in extorted funds."
Over 700,000 computers were infected
5. Limited waiver of HIPAA sanctions in Florida: What you need to know
In the wake of Hurricane Idalia, President Biden and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra have declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency in Florida.
Why it matters: The declarations come at a critical time when Florida is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia. The public health emergency and HIPAA waivers aim to facilitate a more effective response to the crisis.
Community links
- Where Are They Now? The Journeys of Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship Recipients. Link
- 2023 at a glance: Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship. Link
- What is email archiving and retention? Link
- Ten ideas for healthcare email marketers. Link
- Do you need patient opt-in for educational emails? Link
- Disclosures of PHI that occur during litigation. Link
- HITECH and patients rights to access records by email. Link
August HIPAA breach report
- Other breaches affected the most people in July 2023. 4,935,147 individuals had their data breached.
- Network server breaches were the second most common breach, with 9,910,400 people affected.
- Email breaches affected 16,788 people, the third most common breach type.
Good reads from around the web
- No, they did not do surgery on a banana over 5G. Link
- What the UK’s first womb transplant means for the future of fertility. Link
- 78% of surveyed healthcare organizations experienced a cybersecurity incident in last year. Link
- Failed telehealth startup once valued at $2B goes bankrupt, sold for parts. Link
- Google Cloud, HCA team up to deploy AI in the emergency department. Link
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The 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report found that ransomware appeared in 48% of all breaches, up from 44% the previous year. At the same time,...
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Farah Amod : September 26, 2025
A West Virginia hospital has agreed to resolve litigation from a 2024 ransomware attack that exposed nearly 27,000 patient records.