On November 6, 2024, Orthopedics Rhode Island, Inc. (“Ortho RI”) reported a data breach involving sensitive patient information. The healthcare provider’s network was compromised by an unauthorized party, potentially exposing a wide range of personal and medical details.
What happened?
According to JD Supra, the Ortho RI breach was initially detected on September 7, 2024, when suspicious activity was noted within the organization’s computer network. Ortho RI immediately secured its systems and launched an investigation to determine the cause and extent of the breach. By the end of the investigation, the organization confirmed that unauthorized access had occurred between September 4 and September 8, 2024, affecting files containing confidential patient data.
The compromised information includes names, addresses, dates of birth, billing and claims data, health insurance claims details, and medical records such as diagnoses, medications, test results, x-ray images, and treatment information. Once the breach was confirmed, Ortho RI began sending out personalized notification letters to the individuals whose information was affected. The data breach notification provides details on what specific information was compromised and recommends steps for monitoring and protecting against identity theft or fraud.
Read also: What is the difference between PII and PHI?
The risks of healthcare data breaches
Studies have shown that the healthcare industry has the “highest number of breaches among all industries.” This growing concern is due to the sensitive nature of the information involved. Unlike other types of personal data, healthcare records are the “most vulnerable.” Such records, if misused, can lead to severe consequences for patients, including damage to credit, disrupted medical care, and insurance fraud. In addition, healthcare providers face the challenge of rebuilding trust with their patients, dealing with potential legal ramifications, and improving their cybersecurity measures.
Learning from the data breach
The importance of cybersecurity in healthcare
This breach stresses the need for robust cybersecurity measures in healthcare organizations. Medical data is an attractive target for cybercriminals, and healthcare providers like Ortho RI must invest in continuous monitoring, employee training, and encryption technologies to safeguard patient information.
Timely notification is important
Orthopedics Rhode Island acted swiftly by notifying affected individuals about the breach within two months of the incident’s discovery. This allowed patients to take appropriate action, such as monitoring their financial accounts and medical records. Timely notifications provide individuals with the information they need to safeguard their data before further damage occurs.
Related: How to notify affected individuals of a breach
Vigilance
The breach reminds patients of the importance of monitoring their personal information regularly. Patients should be vigilant about checking their credit reports, medical bills, and insurance claims for any signs of unauthorized activity. Early detection of fraud or identity theft can help minimize the damage.
Recommendations for protecting your information
If you’ve received a data breach notification from Ortho RI or any other organization, there are several steps you should take to protect your personal and financial information:
- Monitor your credit and medical records: Regularly review your credit reports for any unfamiliar activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. In addition, review your health insurance and medical records for any unauthorized claims or treatments.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report, which alerts creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before extending credit in your name. A credit freeze offers even more protection by preventing creditors from accessing your credit report entirely. Both actions are free and can help safeguard your personal information.
- Stay alert for phishing scams: Scammers may use the information from a data breach to send phishing emails or make fraudulent phone calls in an attempt to steal additional details. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages that ask for personal information or payment. Always verify the source before responding.
- Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication: For any accounts related to your medical or financial information, ensure that you use strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
FAQs
What is a data breach?
A data breach occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential or sensitive information, such as personal, financial, or medical data. This can happen through hacking, physical theft, or negligence in securing data.
What is a fraud alert, and how does it protect me?
A fraud alert is a notice placed on your credit report that requires creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your credit and makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
How long should I monitor my credit after a breach?
It is generally recommended to monitor your credit for at least 12 months after a breach. Some types of fraud may not show up immediately, and long-term vigilance is important to detect any unusual activity that may affect your financial standing.
Tshedimoso Makhene
