NEWS
Nocona General investigates hack into its computer system
By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Officials with Nocona General Hospital are in the preliminary stages of trying to figure out what happened when an onsite server used primarily to transfer records was reportedly hacked by a foreign organized crime group.
Brian Jackson, attorney from Jackson & Carter, Austin, spoke for the hospital Monday explaining the hack and how it was being investigated. The information came to the media’s attention during the weekend when NBC News reported hackers posted tens of thousands of files from two U.S. hospital chains to a blog on the “dark web” used to extort their victims often demanding payment through bitcoin.
The report written by Kevin Collier on Feb. 5 states files came from Leon Medical Centers with eight locations in Miami and Nocona General Hospital. The hacker group is reported to be well known to cybersecurity researchers and they typically encrypt the victim’s files and demand payment.
Information can include patient names, addresses and birthdays, along with medical information such as diagnostic results and letters to insurers. Collier writes it is rare for them to publicly release such files first, so the motive for this early release is “unclear.”
Nocona General does not appear to have been a victim of the ransomware. Jackson said an organized crime group from possibly Ukraine or Russia systematically tried to hack into business computer systems in the United States, and a number of them were breached last week including Nocona General Hospital.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.
Be alert, recent uptick in phone scams. Scammers are contacting people and falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers, alleging the individuals they contact face immediate arrest unless they provide payment in some form (i.e. gift cards, cash transfers, etc.).
Key Points:
* The Montague County Sheriff’s Office never solicits payments over the phone to resolve legal issues. Any communication requesting such payment is fraudulent.
* Scam Tactics: Scammers often use convincing language and may even impersonate real Deputies/ Officer’s or use spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
* Protect Yourself: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a Deputy or representative of law enforcement demanding payment, do not comply. Instead, hang up immediately and contact the Montague County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify the call’s authenticity.
* Vigilance is Key: Stay vigilant and cautious when answering unsolicited phone calls. Never provide personal or financial information to unknown callers. Discuss this warning with family members, especially seniors, who may be more vulnerable to these scams.
The Montague County Sheriff’s Office is committed to protecting our community from fraud and scams. By staying informed and exercising caution, we can collectively combat these deceptive practices and prevent financial loss.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bowie Police Department
Bowie Police also reported a possible warrant phone scam and posted this message on its Facebook page earlier in the week.
An individual contacted the Bowie Police Department and advised that he had received a phone call from one of our officers. The conversation stated that a warrant was obtained for his arrest and he needed to turn himself into the Montague County Sheriff’s office. This department has not been calling individuals and advising them of warrants. If you receive a call, contact us at 940-872-2251 to confirm if the call is legitimate.
Calling all Montague County clubs, organization and community groups, if you would like to have a brief on your non-profit group included in the 2025 Montague County Visitor’s and Newcomer’s Guide free of charge please submit it to editor@bowienewsonline.com. Deadline is June 6. Please include i.e , regular meeting dates, locations, time, dues, and contact phone or email. Don’t miss an opportunity to be in this award winning publication.
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