Bloom Hearing’s Data Breach Exposes Thousands to Sensitive Information
An undisclosed number of customers have fallen victim to a data breach at the Australian and New Zealand audiology services provider.
Bloom Hearing Specialists, operating as TotalCare Hearing and Chris Laird’s YP Audiology, experienced a significant data breach, exposing sensitive information of patients and staff to ransomware attackers.
The breach took place on July 5, with the company issuing an “important security update” on July 9. However, customers claimed they only received email notifications from the company, owned by Active Hearing Pty Ltd., on August 22.
HearClear Audiology and Brad Hutchinson Hearing were also impacted by the incident. All three companies are ultimately owned by T&W Medical, with directors James Peter Bentson and Sergey Pustovoytov.
Despite limited communication from the company, affected customers are urged to contact ID Care, a charity offering identity and cyber support services in the region.
The stolen data encompasses a range of personal information, including names, addresses, health records, insurance details, and financial information. This breach affects not only current customers but also former and potential clients.
Steps are being taken to investigate the extent of the breach, with authorities in both countries having been notified. Additional support services are being provided to those impacted by the breach.
