HACKERS working for the 'Blackcat' ransomware gang are behind the outage at UnitedHealth's technology unit that has snarled prescription deliveries for six days, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Mon.
The problems began last week after hackers gained access to Change Healthcare's information technology systems and has led to disruptions at several pharmacies across the United States.
Blackcat is one of the most notorious of the internet's many ransomware gangs who encrypt data to hold it hostage with the aim of securing massive payouts worth millions of dollars.
It has previously struck major businesses including MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment.
A number of pharmacy chains, including CVS Health and Walgreens, have said the outage had knock-on effects on their businesses.
The American Pharmacists Association said many pharmacies across the nation could not transmit insurance claims for their patients following the hack.
It said pharmacies were reporting "significant backlogs of prescriptions," which they were unable to process.
Investigations into the cyber attack are continuing.
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