In recent news, a plastic surgeon’s office has become the target of a newly emerging ransomware group called Hunter International. The group has raised concerns by threatening to expose sensitive photographs of patients who have undergone facial surgery procedures at the clinic’s branches in Beverly Hills and Dubai. The surgeon, Dr. Jaime Schwartz, has reported the cyber-crime to law enforcement agencies and is refusing to comply with the ransom demands. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that once the criminals gain access to the stolen data, there is no guarantee they will delete it.
According to sources close to Cybersecurity Insiders, the attackers infiltrated the clinic’s computer network several months ago and seized over 249,000 files, including sensitive patient information such as names, addresses, photos, and video clips. The Hunter International Group, which is believed to have ties to the now-defunct Hive Ransomware, has taken an aggressive stance by sending mass emails to the doctor’s clinic and posting before-and-after photos of patients who underwent surgery. They have also threatened to directly contact the affected patients to extort money if their demands are not met.
However, the accuracy of the group’s claims about the leaked data remains uncertain, as the identities of the patients have not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether the leaked photos and videos are indeed from Dr. Schwartz’s clinic. Cyber-criminals are highly motivated to seize and sell sensitive data for extortion purposes, placing victims under significant pressure to pay the ransom.
Law enforcement agencies are actively working to trace the attackers and secure the compromised data. Meanwhile, Dr. Schwartz is offering full cooperation to aid in the pursuit of the criminals. The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by cyber-crime and the importance of robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
Key points:
1. A plastic surgeon’s office has been targeted by a ransomware group called Hunter International.
2. The group has threatened to expose sensitive photographs of patients who underwent facial surgery procedures.
3. Dr. Jaime Schwartz has reported the cyber-crime to law enforcement agencies and is refusing to comply with the ransom demands.
4. The attackers infiltrated the clinic’s computer network and seized over 249,000 files, including sensitive patient information.
5. Cyber-criminals are highly motivated to seize and sell sensitive data for extortion purposes, highlighting the need for robust security measures.