Cybersecurity at Work Fatality File

Major Cyberattack on Boston Union Health Fund Underscores Organizational Exposure

In February 2023, the Pipefitters Local 537 union in Boston revealed that its health fund had suffered a cyberattack, resulting in a loss of $6.4 million. The attack was traced to social engineering tactics targeting email systems. Although no human deaths were reported, the incident disrupted operations and highlighted how cyber threats can deeply affect worker benefits, trust, and administrative stability.

This breach demonstrates how cybersecurity failures—even when not causing physical harm—can have serious consequences in the workplace: financial loss, loss of sensitive data, disruption of services, and potential harm to employee welfare. Organizations must strengthen incident detection, response, and resilience to protect both infrastructure and people.

Source: apnews.com