Massive Therapy Records Breach: What Finnish Families Should Know

Finnish authorities have issued a wanted notice for a hacker responsible for a massive breach of psychotherapy records. The suspect, identified as Kivimäki, is believed to be outside Finland. His own lawyer told Finnish media he does not know his client's current location.

This breach exposed highly sensitive mental health records from therapy sessions. If you or any family member received psychotherapy services in Finland, your most private information may have been stolen. This could include therapy session notes, personal health details, and identifying information. These records contain some of the most sensitive information possible: what you discussed with your therapist in confidence.

Here is what you should do right now:

1. Contact the psychotherapy clinic or service you used and ask if your records were affected.
2. Watch for suspicious emails or messages that reference your therapy or try to blackmail you. Do not respond to threats.
3. If you receive any threatening communications, report them immediately to local police.
4. Consider placing a fraud alert on your financial accounts if the breach included payment information.
5. Talk to your therapist about your concerns and any emotional impact from this violation of privacy. Protect yourself going forward by asking any healthcare provider how they secure your records. Choose providers who take digital security seriously. Keep records of all communications related to this breach. Remember that seeking therapy is important for mental health, and this breach should not discourage you from getting care you need. However, you have the right to ask providers about their security practices before sharing sensitive information.