‘Hacker Economy’ Booming as Companies Increasingly Rely on Technology

Montana health department latest victim of stealthy hacking

Last week the state’s health department discovered hackers had accessed its computer server that contained personal information and health records for a still-unknown number of people the agency serves across Montana.

Starting in July 2013, hackers used malware, or malicious software that can steal information or damage a computer system with the simple click of the mouse, to gain entry to the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ server that holds client names, addresses, dates of birth and Social Security numbers. Also, the payroll and banking information for the department’s staff was also made vulnerable. State officials say there is not any evidence of information being stolen or used since the server was first hacked. An investigation has been launched and the server that was hacked has been shut down and taken off the state computer system.

By Dillon Tabish

Full Story: http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/hacker_economy_booming_as_companies_increasingly_rely_on_technology/39600/