A major data breach at the Center Hospitalier Sud Francilien (CHSF) near Paris has compromised sensitive medical information of approximately 750,000 patients, French authorities revealed this week.
The cyberattack, which occurred in August 2022, resulted in unauthorized access to patient records spanning nearly two decades, from 2003 to 2022. The stolen data includes names, addresses, phone numbers, social security details, and medical information of patients who received care at the facility.
French police and cybersecurity experts have launched an investigation after portions of the stolen data began appearing on the dark web. The hospital administration confirmed that cybercriminals are attempting to sell the confidential patient information.
"This is one of the largest healthcare data breaches ever reported in France," said Marc Laurent, director of CHSF. "We are working closely with law enforcement to identify the perpetrators and prevent misuse of the stolen information."
The hospital has started notifying affected patients about the breach through mail and email communications. Officials advise patients to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity and remain vigilant about potential identity theft attempts.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions about cybersecurity measures in healthcare facilities across France. The health ministry announced plans to strengthen digital security protocols and increase funding for IT infrastructure at public hospitals.
Healthcare institutions worldwide have increasingly become targets for cybercriminals due to the valuable nature of medical data. This latest breach underscores the growing need for robust security systems to protect sensitive patient information.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to track down the attackers and secure the compromised data. CHSF has established a dedicated hotline for patients seeking information about their exposed records.