We regret to inform you that we have become aware of a security incident affecting Widex Hong Kong Hearing & Speech Centre Ltd and Starry Hearing & Speech Centre Ltd.
On 5 July 2024, we became aware of a ransomware attack that encrypted data on our internal systems and impacted our applications. As at the date of this notice, we know there was unauthorised access by the threat actor, but as soon as we became aware of the incident, we took immediate steps to contain the incident and secure our systems. Our response team is working hard to investigate and identify what personal information has been affected by this incident.
As a responsible corporation, we have notified the incident to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Personal Data. We are actively liaising with the authority and will continue to do so until this matter is resolved.
Our current understanding is that a range of personal information of:
- patients may be involved including name, date of birth, gender, address, contact information (including phone numbers, email address), health information, audiologist, information related to hearing device and date of patient’s visit; and
- current and former employees of Widex Hong Kong Hearing & Speech Centre Ltd may be involved including name, salary details including superannuation and bonuses, and bank account number.
Investigations are ongoing and we are still assessing the categories of information that may be impacted. We will publish further updates on the categories of information affected and any risks we identify as we find out more.
We know this is a concerning development but rest assured your privacy and security are of utmost importance to us. We sincerely apologise for any distress this incident may have caused.
Please continue to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. We urge you to be vigilant regarding all online and phone communications and transactions. As a precautionary measure, please updating your passwords and activating multi-factor authentication wherever possible, and maintaining good online security practices, including avoiding opening messages or clicking on links from unknown senders. If you believe that you may be impacted by the incident, please monitor our website for further updates. Alternatively, you may contact us in relation to the incident by emailing support@widexhongkong.com.hk.