Star Health, India’s largest private health insurer, has found itself at the center of a major data leak controversy, with hackers demanding a staggering ₹5 crore (approximately $620,000 USD) ransom.
The company has promptly launched an investigation into the incident, which is believed to have compromised sensitive policyholder information.
According to sources, the data leak occurred when an unauthorized party gained access to Star Health’s database, extracting sensitive information, including policyholder names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth.
The hackers have reportedly threatened to release the stolen data publicly unless their ransom demands are met.
In response to the breach, Star Health has filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
“We take the protection of our policyholders’ information extremely seriously,” a Star Health spokesperson stated. “We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and ensure the security of our systems.”
The company has assured policyholders that necessary measures are being taken to prevent further unauthorized access.
This data leak raises concerns about the vulnerability of India’s healthcare infrastructure to cyberattacks.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are working to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information.
Star Health’s swift response and cooperation with law enforcement demonstrate the company’s commitment to safeguarding policyholder data.
The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the damage and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.