EResearch Technology was recently hit by a variant of the Ryuk ransomware, the company confirmed to Information Security Media Group. In order to reduce risks, safeguard the data of their clients, and improve their systems, ERT employed top-tier, independent cybersecurity investigators. According to the firm, no sensitive information about patients or confidential data linked to clinical trial activities has been taken, compromised, or stolen as of this point in the inquiry. While they experienced the system being offline, they recommended their clients take precautions.

The eResearch Technology company IQVIA was targeted in a ransomware attack that affected the clinical trial for vaccines. They were locked out of their data and had to track their patients with pen and paper. The attack had a limited impact on our clinical trials operations and the systems were soon restored.

Senate Report: Data Broker Breaches Cost U.S. Consumers Over $20 Billion in a Decade A February 27 report from Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) reveals that four major data broker breaches over the past decade have resulted in over $20 billion in identity theft losses for U.S. consumers. As the ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, Hassan’s analysis focused on breaches affecting hundreds of millions of Americans, with financial damages calculated using conservative estimates including a median loss of $200 per victim. Data brokers, which collect and sell personal information from commercial, government, and public sources often without consumer awareness pose significant risks when breached. The report highlights that exposed data frequently fuels identity theft, fraud, and scams, with the true financial impact likely exceeding the $20 billion estimate. Many victims pursue class-action lawsuits, suggesting losses per individual may be far higher than the median figure. The report calls for stronger protections, emphasizing the need for easily accessible opt-out mechanisms. In August, Hassan investigated five data brokers accused of obscuring opt-out pages, prompting four Comscore, IQVIA Digital, Telesign, and 6sense Insights to improve transparency. Findem, however, failed to respond to the senator’s inquiry. Hassan’s findings underscore the growing threat of data broker practices as scam-related losses rise, urging Congress, the administration, and the industry to enhance oversight and reduce fraud risks.