A ransomware attack on the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center has resulted in a confirmed data leak, with sensitive information compromised. The breach is particularly notable due to its connection to the Multiethnic Cohort Study, a research project initiated in 1993 that utilized driver's license numbers and voter registration records to recruit participants. This study's data, now exposed, poses a significant risk to the individuals involved, as it contains personally identifiable information. The cancer center has acknowledged the breach, but the full extent of the damage remains unclear. The attack highlights the vulnerability of sensitive research data to cyber threats, even when stored by reputable institutions. As the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center investigates the incident, concerns arise regarding the potential for identity theft and other malicious activities stemming from the leaked data1. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive information, particularly in the context of long-term research projects. The implications of this breach are far-reaching, and practitioners must reexamine their data storage and protection protocols to prevent similar incidents.