Ransomware Attack on Dra. Andrea Rechia Clinic by Qiulong Group

Overview of the Victim

The Dra. Andrea Rechia clinic, a renowned plastic surgery center in Santa Maria, Brazil, has been a prominent name in the field for over 15 years. Specializing in both aesthetic and surgical treatments, the clinic is dedicated to enhancing patient self-esteem and body image. Services range from skin treatments for wrinkles and discoloration to comprehensive surgical procedures targeting various body parts.

With a strong emphasis on patient care and privacy, the clinic has built a reputation for its attentive and respectful approach. However, this reputation is now under threat due to a severe ransomware attack attributed to the Qiulong ransomware group.

Details of the Ransomware Attack

The Qiulong ransomware group, known for its activities primarily in Latin America, has recently targeted the Dra. Andrea Rechia clinic. The attack has led to the unauthorized access and encryption of sensitive data, including patient photographs, personal information, financial records, and non-disclosure agreements. The leaked data reportedly amounts to 30 GB, with a 2GB sample publicly disclosed on the dark web.

This breach not only compromises the clinic's operational integrity but also severely impacts patient confidentiality, a cornerstone of the healthcare industry.

Vulnerabilities and Industry Impact

The clinic's high-profile status and the sensitive nature of its data make it an attractive target for cybercriminals. Factors such as potentially inadequate cybersecurity measures, the use of common communication tools like email and WhatsApp for transmitting sensitive information, and the storage of high volumes of personal data could have contributed to making the clinic a target.

The attack on Dra. Andrea Rechia clinic underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices in the healthcare sector, particularly in specialized fields such as plastic surgery where patient confidentiality is paramount.

Sources

• WatchGuard Security Hub: Ransomware Tracker - Qiulong
• SOCRadar: Dark Web Profile - Play Ransomware
• SOCRadar: Dark Web Threat Profile - Clop Ransomware
• Reddit /r/Malware: List of Ransomware Groups and Their PR Pages 2023
• BlackFog: The Top 10 Ransomware Groups of 2023