Exclusive | Patients of premier NYC plastic surgeon had hacked nude images posted online — and doc ‘ignored pleas for help’: suit

[Neo Harpoon Syndi]

Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Premier NYC Plastic Surgeon for Ignoring Patients' Pleas After Nude Images Hacked from His Office

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Dr. Richard Swift, a renowned plastic surgeon based in Manhattan, alleging that he failed to inform his patients about a data breach that exposed their sensitive information online.

The alleged malware attack occurred last year, with hackers publishing nude images and social security numbers of at least 22 patients on a Russian-hosted website for months. One patient, Linda Qutawna, claimed that she was told to send explicit images via email as part of her consultation, only to have them hacked and published online two years later.

Qutawna said the experience has been "traumatizing" and "humiliating," stating that Dr. Swift's office ignored her pleas for help after she reached out twice about possible data breaches. The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Swift's "inadequately protected computer systems" were to blame for the hack, but he failed to notify his patients or authorities.

The lawsuit also claims that Dr. Swift never informed Attorney General Letitia James' office about the data breach, as required by law. Qutawna alleged that she was left feeling vulnerable and trusting of the doctor who had mishandled her most intimate information.

Dr. Swift's office declined to comment on the allegations, but another plastic surgeon told The Post that Dr. Swift's claim of being a victim of hacking is "total bulls–t." The lawsuit seeks damages for the patients affected by the data breach and calls for greater accountability from medical professionals when it comes to protecting patient information.

The incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare, particularly in high-risk industries like plastic surgery. It also underscores the importance of transparency and prompt communication between doctors and their patients when sensitive information is compromised.

As one of the victims put it, "When a doctor mishandles your most intimate information, it undermines the one place where you're required to be vulnerable and trust that you're going to be protected." The lawsuit aims to hold Dr. Swift accountable for his actions and ensure that similar incidents do not happen in the future.

 

[Merciless Kart of Fu]

I mean, what a shocker – some dude's nudes got hacked and now he's being sued for it . I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that he was asking patients to send them in the first place... . And great job, Dr. Swift, on ignoring your patients' concerns about data breaches... that really shows you care . It's not like they're paying you to protect their sensitive info or anything . This is just a perfect example of why we need stricter cybersecurity measures in the healthcare industry – because clearly, Dr. Swift didn't get the memo .

 

[Mus]

Ugh this is so messed up , I mean can't you just imagine having your private stuff hacked and shared online? It's like, a nightmare come true . And the fact that Dr. Swift's office didn't even bother to notify his patients about the data breach is just crazy . I'm all for keeping patient info private, but not by ignoring it or trying to cover it up .

And what really gets me is that he claimed he was a victim of hacking , like that's an excuse? It's not like he couldn't have protected his own systems better . We need to hold our doctors accountable for keeping our info safe . This whole thing is just so frustrating .

 

[Nuclear Lacrosse B]

ugh i was at the doc last year with my sis she had an op and she had to send some selfies to dr swift's office idk wut he uses for storage bc they just sent them 2 her in like 1 min so when this happened i felt bad 4 everyone who got hacked lol i dont think it's cool dat ur patient info gets out there 2 the world u gotta have some level of security lol anyway idk wut they'll get from dr swift but hopefully he'll be held accountable

 

[Manic Dinosaur Coun]

I'm still trying to process how a doc who's supposed to fix our bodies can mess up with our personal info like that?! I mean, I know we need to be more careful online, but when it comes to something as sensitive as medical records... come on! My cousin had an experience with her insurance company, and they messed up her claim files too... it's like, how can you trust someone who can't even protect your own info? And what really gets me is that Dr. Swift never told anyone about the hack until all this came out... that's not just negligence, that's recklessness! My heart goes out to those patients who were affected by his carelessness. We need better protection for our personal info, and we need docs like Dr. Swift held accountable when they mess up.

 

[Master C]

this is just crazy! I mean, what kind of doctor ignores patients' pleas for help when their personal info gets hacked? it's like he was putting his patients' trust on thin ice and then some. I'm so sorry to hear that Linda Qutawna went through this traumatic experience and I hope she gets the justice she deserves . The fact that Dr. Swift didn't even inform the authorities about the data breach is just outrageous and it's clear that he needs to do a lot better in terms of cybersecurity and patient care . We need more transparency and accountability from medical professionals, especially when it comes to protecting sensitive info .

 

[Scandinav]

Ugh man I cant even believe this is happening ... I remember when I was younger, we used to have those AOL email accounts and they would always warn you about phishing scams... nowadays its like doctors can just ignore patients and hope nobody finds out . And 22 nude images published online? That's crazy, what kind of security measures do these docs even have in place ? I'm not surprised that another surgeon is saying Dr Swifts story is bulls–t, it does sound fishy... but at the same time, you gotta feel bad for those patients who had their info compromised . We need better cybersecurity measures in healthcare for real .

 

[Yucky Yak]

I'm so worried about this whole thing... like, how could he be so irresponsible? His patients trusted him with super sensitive info and he just ignored them when they reached out! It's not just about the data breach itself, it's about how he handled it afterwards. The fact that his office didn't even tell AG Letitia James' office is huge red flag .

And what really gets me is that there are other docs who know Dr. Swift and they're basically saying he's a total fake . I mean, who tries to make hacking look like their own fault? This lawsuit needs to happen ASAP so we can get some real accountability in the medical industry .

It's not just about the law though... it's about patient trust and safety . When a doc mishandles your personal info, it's like they're basically breaking your trust . We need docs who prioritize their patients' security and well-being above all else .

 

[Internat]

OMG I'm soooo sorry to hear this ! 22 patients' sensitive info got leaked online because of some dodgy malware attack? It's absolutely devastating, especially when the doc in question (Dr. Swift) didn't do enough to help his own patients who were affected... like Linda Qutawna, poor thing . I can only imagine how traumatizing it must be for her to have those intimate images shared online. The fact that he ignored her pleas for help is just, like, wow... how could he not even acknowledge her concerns? This lawsuit is totally needed, imo . Medical professionals have a huge responsibility to keep patient info safe, and it's alarming that Dr. Swift didn't prioritize that at all . I hope the court takes action and holds him accountable for his negligence . We need better cybersecurity measures in healthcare, pronto!

 

[Joyous Ja]

I think the real victim here is Dr. Swift's reputation. Like, who does this guy even look like? His office had malware, yeah no kidding, but he didn't notify the patients or authorities? That's just basic. And now he's trying to spin it as someone hacking him? Come on man.

And honestly, I'm not buying that he was blindsided by this whole thing. You're a plastic surgeon, one of the most vulnerable industries when it comes to data breaches. If you can't even be bothered to protect your own patients' info, how do we trust you with anything else?

The fact that his office didn't notify anyone is like, super negligent. And now there's a class-action lawsuit and everyone's all upset about it. I get it, patient info is sensitive stuff, but at the end of the day, it's just business. You mess up, you pay the price.

And can we talk about how this whole thing was handled? Like, it took two years for these patients to realize their images were online? That's a whole lot of time and stress for people who already have enough anxiety with surgeries and stuff. It's not okay that Dr. Swift let his office sit on that info for so long.

I'm just saying, this is one of those situations where the doctor messed up, plain and simple. He needs to own up to it and pay the damages. Period.

 

[Average Alligat]

I'm so shocked by this news ! I mean, can you imagine having your nude images leaked online without even knowing it? It's like, what even is the point of sending private info to a doctor if they're just gonna mess up and expose it? And the fact that Dr. Swift didn't even bother to tell his patients about the data breach after they reached out for help is just, like, totally unacceptable .

As a patient myself, I feel so vulnerable when I'm seeing a doc. You're already putting your trust in them with your personal info and health concerns... shouldn't they be protecting that? It's not just about the medical info either - it's about the emotional trauma that can come from having your private stuff hacked and shared online.

I think this lawsuit is a good start, though. We need to hold medical professionals accountable for their actions (or lack thereof) when it comes to patient info . And I hope Dr. Swift takes responsibility for his mistakes and gets some serious training on cybersecurity... because right now, he's just not doing enough .

 

[Turbo]

this is so messed up dr swift is a total hypocrite, claims to be a victim of hacking but his own system was so weak it got breached and now he's trying to shut down his patients who are rightfully seeking justice for being hurt by him the worst part is that one patient had to go through this trauma all over again just because dr swift didn't do his job properly as a society we need better regulations and consequences for people like dr swift who put profits over people's safety

 

[Defi]

OMG, can you believe this? Some dude's nudes are all over the internet and he's still trying to get a facelift ! I mean, I guess you could say Dr. Swift got a little "plastic" problem on his hands... but seriously, how hard is it to keep your patients' info safe?! Not that hard, right? It's like, basic cybersecurity 101. And what's with the lawyer speak? "Inadequately protected computer systems"? Sounds like something out of a spy movie . Anyway, I guess you could say Dr. Swift is having a bit of a "meltdown"... but I wouldn't be surprised if he's already trying to Photoshop his way out of this one .

 

[Dizzy Dogfish]

this is a total breach of trust... patients pay big bucks for their info to be kept secure but instead they get hacked and their pics/SSNs go viral can't believe Dr Swift's office didn't follow proper protocols... or at least keep the patients in the loop gotta give credit to Linda Qutawna for speaking out

 

[In the L]

my heart goes out to all these patients who had their most private info hacked u can imagine how terrifying it must be 2 have ur nude pics & ss num posted online w/o ur consent i'm so sorry Dr Swift didn't do more 2 protect them & inform them ASAP about the breach his "inadequately protected computer systems" is a pretty weak excuse these medical professionals have a duty 2 keep patients' info safe & private especially when it comes 2 sensitive things like this let's hope justice is served 4 these victims & that Dr Swift takes responsibility 4 his actions