Some former NHIA officials are suspected of leaking personal information from the NHI database.    It is reported that the suspects were using USB devices to steal and transfer the data.  Dr Lee Po-Chang, the Director General of the NHIA, said yesterday that the NHIA has started an internal investigation which is to be completed on Thursday.  The NHIA will take actions to tighten up data security.

Tsai Hsiu-Ching, the Director of the Government Office of the NHIA, expressed that the actions will cover three major aspects: 1. to enhance the management of the authorization of the access to sensitive data; 2. to create a mechanism for processing the enquiry about the access to massive data; 3. to mask personal information if deemed necessary.  The NHIA is also going to amend the regulations concerning the access to NHI data, review the data inquiry process, strengthen data security training and increase staff’s awareness.

Tsai expressed that the NHIA started its crisis management procedure immediately after being aware of this data leaking incident.  Some measures have already been taken, including job reassignment, suspension of authorization, etc.  Dr Lee Po-Chang, the MOHW Minister, gave an instruction to form a special committee to launch an internal investigation and carry out a full review and update of the list of authorized access to the NHI data. 

【2023-01-18 / Liberty Times】