Imagine discovering that thousands of your customers’ private records had been exposed online. For Freedman HealthCare, that concern became a reality after a cyberattack compromised a massive amount of sensitive health data. Incidents like this remind us how often digital threats target businesses, and just how costly they can be when left unaddressed.

The Group Behind the Breach

A cybercriminal organization known as World Leaks, previously operating under the name Hunters International, has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group has built a reputation for targeting businesses around the world and using tactics like data theft and extortion to pressure their victims.

Their list of past targets includes names from various industries, such as Austal USA, Toyota Brazil, Caxton and CTP Publishers, and others. Their most recent victim, Freedman HealthCare, is known for providing data and analytics services to healthcare agencies, insurance companies, and medical providers. Reports suggest that over 52 gigabytes of files were taken, covering more than 42,000 documents, and the group has threatened to release the information.

Why Your Business May Also Be at Risk

Threats like these don’t aim solely at big corporations. Small and midsize businesses are also on the radar of attackers, especially when their defenses are easier to bypass. Certain weak spots consistently show up as the main entry points for cybercriminals.

Human error continues to top the list. Whether it’s clicking on a deceptive email, sharing a password too casually, or using weak login credentials, good intentions can still cause damage.

Remote work can also create vulnerabilities when team members connect through less secure networks or skip basic security steps. Coupled with outdated systems or weak protections, this creates an easy path for unwanted access.

Now more than ever, digital security should be approached as a necessary part of doing business, not an optional extra.

Taking Steps Before It’s Too Late

Strong cybersecurity doesn’t start with technical upgrades; it begins with people. Training your staff to think before clicking, open emails carefully, and stop to verify suspicious prompts goes a long way when it comes to avoiding breaches.

Data backups also serve as a key part of any defense strategy. When company information is stored in more than one place, the impact of a ransomware attack or accidental loss can be reduced. Backup systems should always include your most valuable information, like financial records, customer contacts, patient files, or proprietary business data.

Passwords should never be an afterthought. Simple patterns like pet names or birthdays are too easy to crack. Combining longer, complex passwords with features like multi-factor authentication provides much stronger protection.

And don’t overlook physical security. Devices that hold sensitive data, especially mobile ones like laptops or work phones, should always be locked and stored responsibly when unattended.

A Wake-Up Call for the Business Community

Freedman HealthCare was fortunate in that its breach did not result in legal trouble or financial penalties, thanks to the quick action of cybersecurity professionals they brought in. Still, the breach itself should serve as a reminder for other companies.

Every business needs to think about digital threats, no matter the size or industry. Waiting until after something goes wrong may be too late to avoid damage. Building security into your daily operations doesn’t just protect files or systems; it protects your reputation, your customers, and your future.