Monash Health has been informed that HWL Ebsworth (HWLE), a law firm used by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority to act in claims made against Monash Health, has experienced a data breach.
We have been advised that several documents impacted by the data breach include patients’ medical records. These medical records contain some employee names, role titles and work contact details.
The advice we have received indicates that no other personal data about any employee was included in the data breach.
We take patient and employee privacy extremely seriously, and we are working with the Department of Health to fully understand the scale and impact of this incident. We will provide you with further updates, as more becomes known.
Although this data breach occurred in circumstances beyond our control, this incident is a strong reminder of the importance of maintaining good cybersecurity practices. Here are some key things you can do to help keep both you and Monash Health safe:
- Remain alert to scam activity, especially email and SMS or telephone phishing scams (i.e., fraudulent communications disguised as if to look like they come from an organisation you trust).
- Do not click on any suspicious links or provide your passwords or any personal information. Always refuse any unprompted request from an individual to access to your computer even if they say they are from a credible organisation.
- Enable multi-factor authentication for your accounts. Multi-Factor Authentication is a security measure that requires two or more proofs of identity (something you know and something you have – normally your phone) to grant you access.
If in doubt, please do not hesitate to email the Cybersecurity Office at ITCybersecurityoffice@monashhealth.org
Questions?
Please contact the Corporate Legal team if you have any questions or concerns: corporate.legal@monashhealth.org
Support
As an employee of Monash Health, you are entitled to take advantage of our Employee Assistance Program (People Assist). Should you wish to access this free service the contact number is 1300 687 327
Approved by Martin Keogh, Interim Chief Executive