Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) shares won't be going anywhere on Thursday.
This morning the private health insurer requested a trading halt until the commencement of trade on Monday.
What's going on with Medibank shares?
Medibank shares have been put on ice today after the private health giant became the latest company to be targeted by a cyberattack.
Hot on the heels of the Optus attack, Medibank revealed that it detected unusual activity on its network on Wednesday
In response, the company took immediate steps to contain the incident, and engaged specialised cyber security firms.
The good news is that, at this stage, there is no evidence that any sensitive data, including customer data, has been accessed by the intruder.
Though, customers are likely to face some disruption in the immediate term. The release notes that Medibank will be isolating and removing access to some customer-facing systems to reduce the likelihood of damage to systems or data loss.
At this stage, the company's AHM and international student policy management systems have been taken offline and are expected to remain that way for most of the day.
Though, Medibank's health services continue to be available to customers, including their ability to access their health providers.
'Working around the clock'
Medibank's CEO, David Koczkar, commented:
I apologise and acknowledge that in the current environment this news may make people concerned. Our highest priority is resolving this matter as transparently and quickly as possible. We will continue to take decisive action to protect Medibank Group customers and our people.
We recognise the significant responsibility we have to the people who rely on us to look after their health and wellbeing and whose data we hold. We are working around the clock to understand the full nature of the incident, and any additional impact this incident may have on our customers, our people and our broader ecosystem.
Investigations are ongoing, and Medibank intends to provide regular updates.
