Medibank share price slides following latest blows from hackers and customers

Medibank was hit by a major data breach on 12 October, exposing key details from some 9.7 million customers.

| More on:
a group of business people sit dejectedly around a table, each expressing desolation, sadness and disappointment by holding their head in their hands, casting their gazes down and looking very glum.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) share price is currently down 3.2% to $2.74.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) health insurer is again making headlines today for the massive data breach it suffered on 12 October.

Cybercriminals managed to access the name, date of birth, address, phone number and email address of 9.7 million current and former customers. The hackers also accessed health claims data for some 480,000 customers.

Yesterday the Medibank share price closed higher after the company said it would not pay any ransom to the hackers.

Why is the Medibank share price under pressure today?

The renewed pressure on the Medibank share price looks to be coming from two fronts: its disgruntled customers and the hackers.

On the hacking front, the purportedly Russian hackers have threatened to publish the stolen data of all the customers unless their demands are met.

As The Australian reports, the hackers have urged people to sell their Medibank shares, while delivering this threat, "A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake. –Confucius… Data will be publish in 24 hours."

In separate headwinds for the Medibank share price, the health insurance giant is facing a class action suit, as The Motley Fool reported here earlier today.

Bannister Law Class Actions and Centennial Lawyers have stated that they will jointly investigate the cyber breach.

"The lawyers will also assess whether damages should be paid to Medibank customers as a result of their breaches," Bannister said.

How has Medibank been tracking?

The Medibank share price has yet to recover from the sharp sell-off the company faced following the hacking attack in October.

With today's intraday losses factored in, shares are down 20% year to date. For some context, the ASX 200 is down 8% in 2022.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

Doctor doing a telemedicine using laptop at a medical clinic
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX healthcare stock just exploded 63% on Federal budget funding news!

Investors are bidding up the ASX healthcare stock amid extra funding in the Federal budget.

Read more »

two doctors smile as they sit together at a desk looking at a patient's Xray.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX 200 healthcare stock just hit an all-time high: Is it too late to buy?

The valuation of this high-performer has soared.

Read more »

A smiling woman sits in a cafe reading a story on her phone about Rio Tinto and drinking a coffee with a laptop open in front of her.
Healthcare Shares

1 magnificent ASX stock down 10% to buy and hold forever

Analysts say this high-quality stock is a great option for investors right now.

Read more »

ventilator mask
Healthcare Shares

3 reasons ResMed shares 'are just too cheap!'

This stock could still produce healthy gains, according to one fund manager.

Read more »

Doctor doing a telemedicine using laptop at a medical clinic
Healthcare Shares

2 ASX healthcare shares rocking higher on big news

This 'spray-on skin' company and cancer-fighting biotech have exciting news for shareholders today.

Read more »

Scientists working in the laboratory and examining results.
Healthcare Shares

Insider still buying Mesoblast shares despite 230% rise this year: Should you buy?

This high-flying share is still reporting insider buying. Should you buy too?

Read more »

A woman reclines in a comfortable chair while she donates blood holding a pumping toy in one hand and giving the thumbs up in the other as she is attached to a medical machine to collect her blood donation.
Healthcare Shares

Buy CSL shares for growing dividends and 'compelling long-term tailwinds'

CSL has increased both its interim and final dividend every year since 2021.

Read more »

a doctor in a white coat makes a heart shape with his hands and holds it over his chest where his heart is placed.
Healthcare Shares

Resmed share price higher despite CEO hitting sell on 14,683 shares

ResMed's CEO just sold $4.8 million worth of his own company's shares.

Read more »