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Cyber Security EMA fake websites FDA Healthcare Healthcare Cyberattacks Healthcare cybersecurity Illicit Activity Pharmaceutical US FDA. Website

Combatting Counterfeit Drugs Online: BrandShield's Success in Dismantling Illicit Websites

 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online pharmaceuticals, the proliferation of counterfeit drugs poses a significant threat to consumer safety. Cybersecurity firm BrandShield has emerged as a stalwart defender in this battle, successfully dismantling over 250 websites selling counterfeit weight-loss and diabetes medications. Led by CEO Yoav Keren, BrandShield's efforts represent a concerted endeavor to combat the scourge of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and protect consumers from the dangers of fraudulent medications. 

The counterfeit drugs targeted by BrandShield predominantly belong to the GLP-1 class, including popular medications like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications have garnered attention for their additional benefits in weight loss, with patients experiencing significant reductions in body weight. Unfortunately, the efficacy and popularity of these drugs have also made them lucrative targets for counterfeiters seeking to exploit the growing demand. 

According to Reuters, the majority of the illicit websites shut down by BrandShield were purveyors of counterfeit GLP-1 drugs, indicating the scale of the problem. Alarmingly, studies suggest that an estimated 95% of all online pharmacies operate unlawfully, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. 

Moreover, reported cases of harm linked to fake GLP-1 drugs have emerged in at least nine countries, underscoring the urgent need for action. BrandShield's recent crackdown on counterfeit drug websites represents a significant victory in the ongoing battle against online pharmaceutical fraud. The company's efforts have resulted in the closure of 90% of the identified pharmacy websites selling counterfeit GLP-1 medications. This operation accounts for just over 15% of the total counterfeit drug websites reported by BrandShield last year, emphasizing the scale of the challenge. 

Collaborating closely with the Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI), BrandShield employs rigorous evidence collection and intelligence gathering to identify and target illicit websites. By providing actionable intelligence to service providers hosting these websites, BrandShield facilitates their removal from the internet, effectively disrupting the operations of counterfeiters. Furthermore, the company coordinates with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs. 

In addition to targeting counterfeit drug websites, BrandShield's efforts extend to social media platforms, where it has removed nearly 4,000 fake drug listings. Notably, a significant portion of these listings—almost 60%—was found on Facebook, highlighting the need for vigilance across all online platforms. BrandShield's global reach ensures that illegal drug listings are eradicated from marketplaces in countries around the world, including India, Indonesia, China, and Brazil. 

Contrary to concerns raised earlier, the EMA found no evidence linking these medications to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or self-injury. This reaffirmation of safety aligns with previous findings by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing reassurance to patients and healthcare providers alike. 

Overall, BrandShield's relentless efforts to combat counterfeit drugs online serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against pharmaceutical fraud. By dismantling illicit websites, removing fake drug listings, and collaborating with industry partners and law enforcement agencies, BrandShield is making significant strides towards safeguarding consumers and upholding the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry.
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Insecurity
Cyber Security Cyberattacks CyberCrime CyberThreat FBI Healthcare Cyberattacks Insecurity

Prescription Insecurity: The Russian Connection to Healthcare Cyber Attacks

 


Pharmacies and hospitals nationwide are experiencing disruptions as a result of ransomware attacks, which leaves patients with difficulties filling prescriptions or obtaining medical care. UnitedHealth Group, a healthcare provider in the United States, announced on Thursday that it had been hacked by a ransomware gang known as Black Cat, otherwise known as AlphV. 

There was a breach of security at Optum last week, causing its digital healthcare payment platform, known as Change Healthcare, to be taken offline as a result of a "cybersecurity issue." Optum, which provides healthcare benefits across the United States, announced last week that it was impacted by a "cybersecurity issue." 

There are a variety of legal issues that have resulted in hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare providers being unable to access the popular payment platform or purposefully disabling connections to its network so as not to allow hackers to gain access to the sensitive data. In a statement on Monday, UnitedHealth estimates that more than 90% of the 70,000 pharmacies in the U.S. have had to change how they processed electronic claims in response to the outage, as more than 90% of them are going to change how they process claims in the future. 

A UnitedHealth executive on a conference call with cybersecurity officers was quoted as saying that, according to a UnitedHealth executive who spoke on a conference call with cybersecurity officers, the outage could last "weeks," despite UnitedHealth reiterating that there are workarounds to ensure customers get access to medications. 

According to a recording obtained by STAT News, the outage could last up to a week. In a report released by UnitedHealth, it was determined that BlackCat, or AlphV, is responsible for the breach, a conclusion which was supported by the group itself claiming credit on its dark web leak site, as well as the hiring of multiple outside firms, including top cybersecurity companies Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks. 

After a few days, the post had been removed from the website. It is, however, interesting that the ransomware gang may also be responsible for the attack. A few months ago, the FBI broke into the group's internal servers to steal information regarding decryption tools for its victims as well as to seize control of several of its websites. 

In celebration of the disruption, which involved multiple foreign governments, the U.S. government celebrated its success. According to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, the Justice Department has disrupted the Black Cat ransomware group for the second time by hacking the hackers. As a result of Black Cat's apparent ability to regroup and breach one of the nation's largest healthcare organizations, it is evident that reducing these groups for long periods is quite difficult. 

When a cybercriminal suffers a setback, the criminals will frequently reassemble, especially if their operators reside in countries where their law enforcement agencies are lax about prosecuting their crimes as a result of their laziness.
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