Medibank share price slides following latest blows from hackers and customers

Medibank was hit by a major data breach on 12 October, exposing key details from some 9.7 million customers.

| More on:
a group of business people sit dejectedly around a table, each expressing desolation, sadness and disappointment by holding their head in their hands, casting their gazes down and looking very glum.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) share price is currently down 3.2% to $2.74.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) health insurer is again making headlines today for the massive data breach it suffered on 12 October.

Cybercriminals managed to access the name, date of birth, address, phone number and email address of 9.7 million current and former customers. The hackers also accessed health claims data for some 480,000 customers.

Yesterday the Medibank share price closed higher after the company said it would not pay any ransom to the hackers.

Why is the Medibank share price under pressure today?

The renewed pressure on the Medibank share price looks to be coming from two fronts: its disgruntled customers and the hackers.

On the hacking front, the purportedly Russian hackers have threatened to publish the stolen data of all the customers unless their demands are met.

As The Australian reports, the hackers have urged people to sell their Medibank shares, while delivering this threat, "A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake. –Confucius… Data will be publish in 24 hours."

In separate headwinds for the Medibank share price, the health insurance giant is facing a class action suit, as The Motley Fool reported here earlier today.

Bannister Law Class Actions and Centennial Lawyers have stated that they will jointly investigate the cyber breach.

"The lawyers will also assess whether damages should be paid to Medibank customers as a result of their breaches," Bannister said.

How has Medibank been tracking?

The Medibank share price has yet to recover from the sharp sell-off the company faced following the hacking attack in October.

With today's intraday losses factored in, shares are down 20% year to date. For some context, the ASX 200 is down 8% in 2022.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

A young woman holds an open book over her head with a round mouthed expression as if to say oops as she looks at her computer screen in a home office setting with a plant on the desk and shelves of books in the background.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX All Ords share is diving 18% as inflation pain draws blood

This healthcare company delivered a trading update at its annual general meeting today.

Read more »

Shot of a young scientist using a digital tablet while working in a lab.
Healthcare Shares

Up 427% this year, why today is a big day for Mesoblast shares

Why is everyone talking about Mesoblast shares on Friday?

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Healthcare Shares

Is this beaten-down ASX healthcare share a bargain buy now?

One expert has given their view on this stock.

Read more »

drug capsule opening up to reveal dollar signs signifying rising asx share price
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares going gangbusters on Thursday

Investors are sending these ASX healthcare stocks soaring today. But why?

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Healthcare Shares

Is it time to cash in on Sigma shares?

Shares have extended after the Chemist Warehouse merger.

Read more »

Person holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Healthcare Shares

Buy this ASX 200 share that is swimming in cash

Bell Potter sees potentially big returns on offer from this cashed-up stock.

Read more »

Shot of a scientist using a computer while conducting research in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

Are CSL shares a buy after the biotech's FY25 forecasts?

Brokers continue to weigh in.

Read more »

Female pharmacist smiles with a digital tablet.
Healthcare Shares

Are Wesfarmers or Sigma shares a better buy in the pharmacy arena?

These two stocks are both leaders in the industry.

Read more »