U.K – April 8, 2024 | Leading veterinary care provider, CVS hit by cyberattack, causing significant disruption to their operations, particularly in the United Kingdom.
The company, which operates around 500 veterinary practices globally under the name “CVS”, confirmed “unauthorized external access” to a limited number of their IT systems. While they were able to take their systems offline to prevent further unauthorized access, this resulted in “considerable operational disruption.”
Specific details about the attack or the data potentially compromised haven’t been disclosed yet. However, CVS highlighted that due to the “risk of malicious access to personal information,” they have informed relevant authorities, including the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – the UK’s data protection regulator.
The company has assured its clients that specialist third-party consultants are investigating the incident. Their primary focus remains on restoring full functionality and minimizing any inconvenience caused to their clients and staff.
“IT services to our practices and business functions have now been securely restored across the majority of the estate; however, due to the increased levels of security and monitoring, some systems are not working as efficiently as previously and this is likely to result in an ongoing operational impact,” CVS said.
Guardian reported
Impact on Pet Care Cyberattack:
The report mentions that UK operations have been most affected by the cyberattack. While the exact nature of the disruption hasn’t been specified, it could potentially impact appointment scheduling, access to pet medical records, or even pharmacy services offered by the clinics.
Importance of Cybersecurity in Veterinary Care:
This incident highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the veterinary healthcare sector. Veterinary clinics store sensitive pet medical data and client information, making them targets for cyberattacks.
What pet owners can do?
While the full extent of the data breach is yet to be determined, here are some steps pet owners who use CVS services can take as a precaution:
- Stay Informed: Monitor CVS’ official communication channels for updates on the situation.
- Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Phishing emails or calls impersonating CVS to exploit the situation are a possibility. Don’t click on suspicious links or share personal information.
- Consider Contacting Your Clinic: If you have concerns or questions, reach out to your local CVS clinic directly.
This developing story underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect confidential data in the veterinary healthcare industry.
Image source: Pixabay
