Hackers Hit Hospital, Then Apologize and Offer Patients Up To $2,500 – While Keeping the Stolen Data

Dextape brief

By Dextape Desk · November 2, 2026

A hacking group called BYOD has taken credit for an attack on the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Staff spotted the intrusion on October 26 and began containment. Ambulances were diverted and outpatient care halted for part of that afternoon, and classes at four colleges were called off the next day.

The university reports that only some end-user devices were affected and core systems were untouched, with operations fully restored by October 28. BYOD claims it obtained personal data, including Social Security numbers, covering all students and staff, a claim UNM has not confirmed. The group apologized, vowed to keep the data, and offered patients up to $2,500 with proof. UNM says it made no concessions and warns against scams.

Why it matters: It shows how a cyberattack on a major hospital can interrupt patient care and raise privacy worries for students and staff, even as the group's offers remain unverified.

Summary by Dextape, based on reporting by DailyHodl. Written with AI from the publisher’s text and checked automatically for copied wording and unsupported figures. Not investment advice.