Abbott investigates two cyber intrusions targeting cancer diagnostics and LabCentral portal

Abbott says operations stayed intact, yet investigators continue probing what data attackers might have accessed. The company has engaged external cybersecurity experts and law enforcement.

Abbott Laboratories said on Friday that it is investigating two cyber incidents related to unauthorized access to parts of its cancer diagnostics business’s internal systems and the LabCentral portal. According to the company, operations have not been affected.

The incident in the cancer diagnostics division did not affect other business units, sites, or systems; it was noted that the legacy Exact Sciences systems remained separate from Abbott’s systems.

It was also reported that the attacker allegedly gained access to the LabCentral portal, an externally facing third-party portal used by the main laboratory diagnostics division. However, the company assured that there were no adverse effects for the business or its customers, and there has been no disclosure of sensitive client or business information.

Cyberattacks are increasingly targeting the healthcare sector, including Clover Health Investments, Stryker, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, and West Pharmaceutical Services.

Such incidents can disrupt operations, affect access to data, and heighten concerns the protection of sensitive information.

LabCentral contained only publicly available technical documents describing products, including operating manuals, troubleshooting checklists, and product specifications, not containing confidential or sensitive client or business data, Abbott noted.

The company added that it has taken steps to address the situation, engaged external cybersecurity experts and law enforcement, and continues to investigate exactly what data may have been accessible.

Abbott does not expect a material impact on its business or financial results in connection with these incidents.

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