MediMap Hack: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity in Healthcare

The recent hacking of MediMap, a major New Zealand health app, has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry. The breach, which occurred on Sunday, has left many patients' information compromised, including their names, dates of birth, prescribers, location of care, and resident status. In this article, we will delve into the details of the hack, the impact it has had on the healthcare system, and what it means for cybersecurity in New Zealand.

The MediMap platform, which is used by some health providers in aged care, disability, hospice, and the community to accurately record medication doses, was compromised due to "unauthorised entry." The company has taken the platform offline while investigating the breach, and Health New Zealand is working closely with other relevant agencies to ensure that patient data is protected. According to MediMap director Geoffrey Sayer, the company is committed to keeping its customers and stakeholders informed as the investigation progresses.

The impact of the hack on patients has been significant, with some users' information being changed to show they were deceased. This has caused concern among healthcare providers and patients alike, who are now questioning the security of their personal data. Health New Zealand's Darren Douglass stated that "New Zealanders expect that companies involved in healthcare have secure systems and platforms that safeguard their private information." The breach highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data.

The Aged Care Association has reported that as many as 60% of aged care facilities could be using the app, which means that a significant number of patients' data was compromised. Hospice New Zealand has also been affected by the outage caused by MediMap shutting its portal down as a precaution while investigations are underway. However, hospices have contingency plans in place and have switched to alternative prescribing and medication administration systems.

The Nurses Organisation has expressed concern over the precautionary shut down of the platform, stating that it is risking patient safety and staff are scared. They claim that since MediMap stopped working, they have had to double the number of registered nurses on each shift just to give medication, which requires a paper form from the pharmacy.

The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has also commented on the breach, saying that it's concerning and underscores the need for strengthened cybersecurity laws in New Zealand. He stated that "New Zealand cannot afford to be the weakest link" when it comes to cybersecurity. Associate Health Minister David Seymour added that the government is actively working to improve things and has been discussing this issue in the highest levels of government.

The MediMap hack is a wake-up call for cybersecurity in healthcare, highlighting the need for robust measures to protect patient data. It serves as a reminder that no system is completely secure, and that it's essential to have contingency plans in place. As the healthcare industry continues to rely on digital platforms, it's crucial that we prioritize cybersecurity and invest in measures that will protect our personal data.

In conclusion, the MediMap hack has had a significant impact on the healthcare system, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data. It serves as a wake-up call for the healthcare industry and policymakers alike, emphasizing the importance of investing in cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety and security of patients' information.

**Conclusion**

The recent hacking of MediMap has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry in New Zealand. The breach has left many patients' information compromised, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data. As the healthcare industry continues to rely on digital platforms, it's crucial that we prioritize cybersecurity and invest in measures that will protect our personal data.

**Key Takeaways**

* MediMap was hacked due to "unauthorised entry" * The breach has compromised patients' information, including names, dates of birth, prescribers, location of care, and resident status * The company has taken the platform offline while investigating the breach * Health New Zealand is working closely with other relevant agencies to ensure that patient data is protected * The hack highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient data

**Recommendations**

* Healthcare providers should prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect patient data * Invest in measures that will protect our personal data, such as encryption and secure networks * Develop contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of a breach * Strengthen cybersecurity laws to ensure that companies involved in healthcare have secure systems and platforms

**Sources**

* RNZ: "Patient data changed as major NZ health app MediMap hacked" * Health New Zealand: "Medimap Breach Investigation Update" * Aged Care Association: "Aged care facilities affected by MediMap breach" * Hospice New Zealand: "Hospices switch to alternative prescribing and medication administration systems" * Nurses Organisation: "Concerns over precautionary shut down of MediMap platform"