Hackers breach cancer screening data of almost 500000 women DutchNewsnl

pHackers have accessed the personal data of almost 500000 women who participated in mass screenings for cervical cancer research agency Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland has saidppThe data breach which took place at the test processing lab Clinical Diagnostics NMDL in Rijswijk in the first week of July included the names and addresses of some 485000 women as well as health professionals and information concerning referralsppThe data which include the results of self tests and tests at family doctors surgeries probably goes back several years a spokesman for Bevolkingsonderzoek Nederland told broadcaster NOSppFurther investigation will have to show what exactly happened and which data were stolen he saidppLetters have been sent to the affected women with more information about the hack They have been warned to be extra vigilant about possible abuse of the data including targeted phishing emailsppBevolkingsonderzoek Nederland has suspended cooperation with the clinic to prevent further leaks According to the organisation the hackers could access the information but not change itppClinical Diagnostics NMDL declined to commentpp We could not provide the Dutch News service and keep it free of charge without the generous support of our readers Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each dayppOur thanks to everyone who donates regularly to Dutch News It costs money to produce our daily news service our original features and daily newsletters and we could not do it without youppIf you have not yet made a donation or did so a while ago you can do so via these linksppThe DutchNewsnl teamppPlease help us making DutchNewsnl a better read by taking part in a short surveyp