Hackers break into Fred Hutch computer network, patients warned to watch accounts

Hackers broke into the computer networks at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center two weeks ago.

The cancer center says it detected unauthorized activity Nov. 19. It’s now telling patients to monitor their bank statements and credit reports.

The breach happened on the clinical network. Fred Hutch has not revealed more details about what data was hacked, but says it will notify people whose information was involved.

The incident is being treated as a possible federal crime. The center has called in a forensic security firm to investigate, and notified federal law enforcement.

Clinics remain open but the clinical computer network used by personnel was taken offline for security.

The center tells patients to report any suspicious bank activity and to review identity theft prevention tips by the Federal Trade Commission.