Islamabad: As healthcare services continue shifting online, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has cautioned that telemedicine platforms are becoming a growing target for data breaches and cyber fraud, putting sensitive patient information at risk.
The advisory, issued on World Health Day, highlights how the rapid digitization of healthcare has expanded access to services but also created new vulnerabilities. Medical records, which often include highly personal data, are increasingly being exposed, stolen, and traded on illicit online marketplaces.
Breaches reveal systemic vulnerabilities
Kaspersky pointed to several recent incidents showing how healthcare systems are being exploited. In 2023, US-based telehealth provider Cerebral acknowledged sharing sensitive patient data with third-party platforms, including social media and advertising networks, affecting millions of users.
In 2025, separate cyberattacks exposed major weaknesses in healthcare infrastructure. The ManageMyHealth patient portal breach affected more than 120,000 individuals, while an attack on SimonMed Imaging compromised over one million records and disrupted operations through ransomware demands.
These cases indicate that both service providers and digital healthcare systems remain attractive targets due to the high value of medical data.
Fraud schemes targeting patients
The company also warned about a rise in fake telemedicine services designed to collect personal information. These platforms often mimic legitimate healthcare providers, using professional branding and urgent messaging to encourage users to share sensitive details.
Victims may be asked to provide contact information, insurance data, descriptions of symptoms, and even personal medical images. Such data can later be exploited for identity theft, fraud, or targeted cyberattacks.
Call for stronger digital caution
Kaspersky stressed that users should approach online healthcare services with heightened awareness. It recommends verifying providers, avoiding unsolicited links, and using official platforms for consultations.
The firm added that adopting reliable cybersecurity tools with anti-phishing features can help reduce exposure to malicious websites and scams, as digital healthcare continues to expand globally.
