Star Health sues Telegram and hacker over data leak
Star Health Insurance has filed a lawsuit against the social media platform Telegram and a hacker after discovering that sensitive company data was being leaked through the messaging app.
According to a report by Reuters, the hacker, who goes by the name xenZen, was using chatbots on Telegram to disseminate personal information and medical records of policyholders.
A court in Tamil Nadu has granted Star Health a temporary injunction, directing Telegram to block any chatbots or websites that are distributing the leaked data, as stated by the insurer in a public notice published in The Hindu.
The insurer described the incident as "illegal hacking and unauthorized access to sensitive information."
Telegram has not yet responded to the court order or the allegations. The hacker allegedly offered millions of individuals' personal data for sale on the platform.
Initially, Star Health downplayed the situation, assuring the public that there was "no widespread compromise" and that "sensitive data was secure."
Reuters revealed that the leaked documents included names, phone numbers, addresses, tax details, copies of ID cards, test results, and medical diagnoses.
Star Health disclosed that on August 13, an unidentified individual had reached out, claiming to have access to some of its data.
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