Health info stolen. What next?

Digital transformation in healthcare has brought efficiency and better patient care, but it also introduces cyber risks. The sensitive nature of medical data makes it a prime target for hackers. Here’s how to protect your health records and minimize the impact of a breach.

The worst-case scenario

Healthcare data breaches are alarmingly common, with millions of records exposed each year. Recent incidents involving major organizations highlight the severity of the issue:

• Change Healthcare: A ransomware attack led to data theft and extortion attempts.
• Cerebral: Sensitive mental health information was accidentally leaked online.

What’s at stake?

The compromised data can include medical insurance details, PII, passwords, medical history, billing information, and more. This information can be used for fraud, identity theft, financial exploitation, and even blackmail.

8 steps to take following a data breach

If you experience a breach, follow these steps to mitigate the damage:

1. Check the notification

Verify the authenticity of any communication regarding the breach to avoid falling for scams.

2. Find out exactly what happened

Understand the extent of the breach and the type of information exposed.

3. Monitor your accounts

Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity indicating fraud.

4. Report suspicious activity

Notify relevant authorities and providers about any irregularities.

5. Freeze your credit and cards

Protect your financial accounts by freezing credit and obtaining new cards if needed.

6. Change your passwords

Reset passwords to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.

7. Stay alert

Be cautious of phishing attempts using your stolen information.

8. Consider legal action

If negligence caused the breach, explore legal options for compensation.

No end in sight

Health records are lucrative targets for cybercriminals, and organizations must remain vigilant to prevent breaches. Knowing how to respond to a breach can protect your mental health, privacy, and finances.