Major Data Breach at University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center recently disclosed a data breach affecting around 1.2 million individuals. The breach resulted from a ransomware attack on its epidemiology division, compromising sensitive data such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. These records originated from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation and voter registration data from Honolulu, with some dating back to 1998.

This incident is linked to the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study, started in 1993. The study utilized these records for participant recruitment. Unfortunately, exposed files included not only personal details but also health information from the study.

Apart from the MEC Study, three other research projects on diet and cancer were also affected. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the breach’s full extent and any additional data disclosures.

University’s Response and Future Actions

The breach was detected on August 31, 2025, and reported to the state legislature in January. The high encryption levels used by attackers delayed recovery and impact assessment. To protect those impacted, the university engaged with attackers and secured a decryption tool, claiming the stolen data was destroyed.

Despite the breach, core Cancer Center operations like Clinical Trials remained intact. University leadership is reviewing IT defenses to prevent future incidents. President Wendy Hensel emphasized a need for a robust IT overhaul across campuses.

Previously, in 2023, the University faced a similar ransomware issue affecting Hawaiʻi Community College, compromising data of about 28,000 people.

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