Epworth HealthCare recently became aware that a link in an admission reminder text that contained a website link about COVID-19 was redirecting to a malicious site.
This incident occurred due to a compromise in the third-party platform provider responsible for generating the links.
Epworth reassures the community that patient information was not compromised, and Epworth data systems are unaffected by this incident. This is an issue with the third party provider.
As a precautionary measure, we ask any patient that received a text message from Epworth between 22 April 2024 and 9 May 2024 to delete the text message immediately and not click on any embedded links.
If any patient received the preadmission text message and clicked through the link, Epworth has commissioned IDCARE, Australia’s national identity and cyber support community service, to assist you as a precaution.
IDCARE expert case managers will help address any security concerns and there is no charge to patients to use this service. Epworth is covering costs for this arrangement.
Case managers are available during business hours (9am-5pm AEST, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) by phone on 1800 595 160 or online via the Get Help form.
When engaging with IDCARE, please include the referral code EPWHF24.
You should also ensure all your devices have the most up to date software/version installed. Software updates not only bring new functionality, but also include important security patches. These patches protect your smartphone from malicious software and vulnerabilities that could jeopardize your data and privacy.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
FAQs for patients
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What has happened?
Epworth HealthCare recently sent a link in an admission reminder text that contained a website link about COVID-19 that was redirecting to a malicious site.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that the third-party platform provider responsible for generating the external website link contained in the text message had been compromised and the link was redirecting to a malicious site.
Epworth reassures the community that patient information was not compromised, and Epworth data systems are unaffected by this incident. This is an issue with the third party provider.
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Has Epworth been hacked?
No. This issue has occurred with the third party provider.
Epworth systems have not been impacted and patient data has not been compromised. The issue occurred with the third party platform that provides these links.
Epworth remains vigilant in protecting the confidentiality and integrity of all patient data.
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Is my patient information safe?
Yes. Epworth reassures the community that patient information was not compromised, and Epworth data systems are unaffected by this incident.
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I received a text message from Epworth, what should I do?
As a precautionary measure, we ask you to delete the text message immediately and not click on any embedded links in the text message.
You should also ensure all your devices have the most up to date software/version installed. Software updates not only bring new functionality, but also include important security patches. These patches protect your smartphone from malicious software and vulnerabilities that could jeopardize your data and privacy.
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I have already clicked on the link, what should I do?
If you received the preadmission text message and clicked through the link, Epworth has commissioned IDCARE, Australia’s national identity and cyber support community service, to assist you, as a precaution.
IDCARE expert case managers will help address any security concerns and there is no charge to use this service. Epworth is covering costs for this arrangement.
Case managers are available during business hours (9am-5pm AEST, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) by phone on 1800 595 160 or online via the Get Help form.
When engaging with IDCARE, please include the referral code EPWHF24.