Cybersecurity firm CEO arrested for allegedly installing malware on hospital computers

Oklahoma City-based cybersecurity and private intelligence firm Veritaco CEO Jeffrey Bowie was arrested on April 14, 2025, and faces two felony counts under Oklahoma’s Computer Crimes Act.

The charges stem from allegations of installing malware on computers at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City on August 6, 2024, as reported by cybersecuritynew.com.

The incident has ignited serious concerns regarding insider threats within healthcare cybersecurity. Court documents reveal that hospital security footage allegedly captured Bowie moving through the facility and attempting to gain access to multiple offices before he purportedly installed malicious software on two computers. The installed malware was designed to capture screenshots every 20 minutes and transmit them to an external IP address.

According to reports, Bowie claimed to hospital staff that he had a family member undergoing surgery and needed to use a computer when confronted about his unauthorized access. However, a subsequent forensic analysis conducted by the hospital uncovered the presence of the installed malware.

SSM Health, the organization overseeing St. Anthony Hospital, released an official statement acknowledging the incident: “On August 6, 2024, an unauthorized individual was identified accessing a hospital computer in an alleged attempt to install malware. The protection of data and the integrity of our systems are top priorities. Due to precautions in place, the issue was addressed immediately, and no patient information was accessed. We worked closely with law enforcement during the investigation.”

The Oklahoma City Police Department corroborated this, stating that a hospital employee witnessed Bowie using a computer designated for staff use only. This observation prompted St. Anthony to conduct the forensic review that confirmed the malware installation.

Bowie’s LinkedIn profile describes Veritaco as a “cybersecurity, digital forensics, and private intelligence firm focused on delivering top-class services” with a small team of two to ten employees. Prior to establishing Veritaco in August 2023, Bowie held the position of Senior Cyber Security Engineer at High Point Networks and had a history of various security-related roles at other companies.

St. Anthony Hospital, a significant 773-bed general medical facility located in Oklahoma City’s Midtown district, provides a wide range of medical services, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and kidney transplantation. It is also the home of the renowned Saint’s Heart and Vascular Institute