The Novo Nordisk IT Security Incident has resulted in unauthorized access to a limited number of the pharmaceutical company’s internal IT systems, leading to the exposure of certain non-public information, including personal data related to clinical trial participants and healthcare professionals. The Denmark-based healthcare company confirmed that an investigation is underway with support from external cybersecurity experts and relevant authorities.
According to Novo Nordisk, certain data was copied externally without authorization during the incident. In response, the company temporarily took some internal systems offline and is gradually restoring affected environments in a controlled manner. The company stated that its core business operations remain unaffected.
Novo Nordisk IT Security Incident Under Investigation
Novo Nordisk disclosed that it identified unauthorized access to a limited number of internal IT systems and immediately launched an investigation into the matter.
The company said multiple security measures were implemented following the discovery, including taking selected systems offline to protect its environment. While recovery efforts continue, Novo Nordisk emphasized that business operations remain operational and that the delivery of products and support to patients has not been disrupted.
“As part of our response, multiple security measures have been taken, including temporarily taking certain internal IT systems offline to protect our environment. We are working to bring the affected systems back online in a controlled and safe manner; however, we acknowledge this process takes time,” reads the official statement.
The healthcare company also confirmed that non-public data, including personal information, was copied externally without authorization. Impacted parties are being notified as appropriate.
Patient Data Included Clinical Trial Information
Information provided by Novo Nordisk to affected patients shows that the exposed data involved a limited amount of information related to participants in certain clinical trials.
The affected categories of personal data may include:
- Patient ID and information on trial participation
- Sex
- Year of birth
- Biomarkers
- Health and immunogenicity data
- Lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol use, and BMI
The company stated that the exposed information was pseudonymized and not directly linked to patient names or other direct identifiers. According to Novo Nordisk, identifying individual patients would require access to additional information that was not exposed during the incident.
As a result, the company said it does not believe the incident presents any immediate risk to affected patients. However, patients have been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity that may be connected to the breach.
Healthcare Professional Data Also Affected
Novo Nordisk also issued separate notifications to affected healthcare professionals, confirming that a limited amount of Healthcare Professional (HCP) Data had been copied as part of the incident.
The categories of affected information include:
- Name and registration number
- Email address
- Phone number
- WhatsApp details
- Office location
The company warned that the exposure of this information could increase the risk of Phishing Attacks, fraudulent communications, and impersonation attempts targeting healthcare professionals through email, phone calls, or messaging applications.
Affected individuals have been advised to remain cautious when responding to unexpected communications and to report suspicious activity.
Response and Recovery Efforts Continue
Following the discovery of the Data Breach, Novo Nordisk engaged cybersecurity experts to assist with investigation and remediation efforts.
The company said it has implemented additional security measures and is working to restore affected systems safely. While acknowledging that the recovery process may take time, Novo Nordisk reiterated that protecting the security and integrity of systems used by employees, customers, patients, and stakeholders remains a top priority.
The organization stated that there is no need for affected patients or healthcare professionals to take any specific action as a direct result of the incident beyond remaining alert to unusual communications.
Novo Nordisk, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark, employs approximately 67,900 people across 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries worldwide.
The Cyber Express Team has reached out to Novo Nordisk for additional information regarding the incident, including the scope of affected records and the nature of the unauthorized access. However, the company had not responded at the time of publication.
