Safety

Security officer allegedly plans massive computer attack

Hospital Safety Connection, July 1, 2009

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A security officer at a medical clinic in Dallas was arrested by the FBI after he allegedly planned a large attack on the clinic’s and perhaps other site’s computer systems.
 
From April to June 2009, the suspect allegedly hacked into computers controlling the HVAC system and containing patient information at the Carrell Clinic, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Texas. The suspect is allegedly the leader of a hacker group called the “Electronik Tribulation Army.”
 
“The HVAC system intrusion presented a health and safety risk to patients who could be adversely affected by the cooling if it were turned off during Texas summer weather conditions,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. “In addition, the hospital maintained drugs which could be adversely affected by the lack of proper cooling.”
 
The suspect had given notice at his security job, and his last day was scheduled to be July 3. The suspect had allegedly planned to use the compromised computers to instigate a massive attack on other computers on July 4, authorities said.



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