CEO of Cybersecurity Firm Charged with Installing Malware on Hospital Systems
Jeffrey Bowie, the CEO of cybersecurity firm Veritaco, has been charged with two counts of violating Oklahoma's Computer Crimes Act for allegedly infecting employee computers at the Oklahoma City St. Anthony Hospital. The charges were filed against Bowie in April 2024, after an arrest warrant was issued following a series of suspicious activities.
According to reports, security footage shows Bowie attempting to access multiple offices at the hospital before installing malicious software designed to capture screenshots every 20 minutes and transmit them to an external IP address. The surveillance footage reveals that Bowie wandered around the hospital on August 6, 2024, where he tried to gain access to two computers - one of which was for employees only.
"New court documents reveal security cameras captured Bowie wandering around the hospital on August 6, where he tried to get into multiple offices until he stumbled upon two computers," reported KOCO 5 News. "When confronted by hospital staff, Bowie claimed he had a family member undergoing surgery and needed to use the computer." A forensic review by the hospital later uncovered the malware, but officials stated that no patient data was accessed.
"On August 6, 2024, an unauthorized individual was identified accessing a hospital computer in an alleged attempt to install malware," reads the statement published by St. Anthony Hospital. "The protection of data and the integrity of our systems are top priorities. Due to precautions in place, the issue was addressed immediately, and no patient information was accessed. We worked closely with law enforcement during the investigation."
The hospital, which is a 773-bed general medical and surgical facility located in the Midtown district, offers a wide range of services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, behavioral medicine, surgery, and kidney transplantation. It is also home to the Saints Heart and Vascular Institute, which provides advanced structural heart disease programs.
At the time of this writing, the website of the cybersecurity firm Veritaco is unreachable, raising further questions about the company's credibility and reliability in the face of allegations against its CEO. Bowie's arrest and charges have sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity industry, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and accountability in the fight against cyber threats.
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About St. Anthony Hospital
St. Anthony Hospital is a 773-bed general medical and surgical facility located in the Midtown district of Oklahoma City. The hospital offers a wide range of services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, behavioral medicine, surgery, and kidney transplantation.
About Veritaco
Veritaco is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in providing threat detection and response services to hospitals and healthcare organizations. The company's website is currently unreachable, raising further questions about its credibility and reliability in the face of allegations against its CEO.
Conclusion
The arrest and charges against Veritaco's CEO have sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity industry, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and accountability in the fight against cyber threats. As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the healthcare sector must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting its systems and data from malicious actors.