The New Zealand government has initiated a swift investigation into a cybersecurity breach involving ManageMyHealth, a digital platform widely used by general practices for patient engagement. Health Minister Simeon Brown has tasked the Ministry of Health with conducting a comprehensive review of the platform’s security measures and the incident response by Health New Zealand. This move comes amid growing concerns about the security of third-party platforms that handle sensitive health data.
Minister Brown emphasized the necessity for New Zealanders to trust that their medical information is secured to the highest standards, whether in public systems or private platforms. The review aims to uncover the breach’s root causes, assess existing security protocols, and recommend improvements to prevent future incidents. The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Government Chief Digital Officer and the National Cyber Security Centre to establish the review’s framework, which will start by 30 January.
While Health New Zealand’s internal systems remain secure, it is working with the primary care sector to assess the breach’s impact on patients and guide affected practices. The government encourages tech innovators and cybersecurity experts to participate in the review, signaling a heightened focus on strengthening cybersecurity in the health-tech sector. As New Zealand advances towards digital healthcare, this initiative presents an opportunity for early adopters to influence the development of robust cybersecurity standards.
