The Atrium Health breach, which impacted over 585,000 individuals, demonstrates how commonly used online tracking tools can inadvertently expose sensitive patient information.
What happened
Atrium Health recently notified the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about a data breach stemming from online tracking technologies used on its patient portals between 2015 and 2019. These tools, intended to enhance user experience, may have inadvertently transmitted sensitive information to third-party vendors, such as Google and Facebook (Meta).
“The following information may have been involved: IP address; third-party identifier/cookies (a unique string of numbers or characters); and, in some instances, if contained in a URL address visited by the user or button text clicked by the user, information about a patient’s treatment or provider. Additionally, if a user was prompted to fill out a form that included their first and last name, email address, phone number, city, state, ZIP code and gender, that information may also have been shared with these third-party vendors,” says Atrium Health in their Notice of Privacy Matter.
Go deeper: Atrium Health notifies HHS of data breach impacting over 585,000
Lessons learned
The risk of third-party tracking technologies
Atrium Health's experience demonstrates the risks associated with third-party tracking tools in healthcare platforms. While these technologies are common across industries to improve functionality and user experience, they pose significant privacy concerns when used on patient portals.
Takeaway: Healthcare providers must evaluate the necessity of tracking tools and implement robust controls to ensure patient data remains protected.
Read also: Who is responsible for a data breach?
The importance of regular audits
Atrium Health initially reviewed its tracking technologies in 2022 but only uncovered potential issues during a more recent analysis. This delay stresses the need for frequent and thorough audits of digital tools and third-party vendor agreements.
Takeaway: Regular assessments of all digital systems and third-party integrations help identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Transparency and communication are a priority
By promptly notifying affected individuals and providing clear information about the breach, Atrium Health demonstrated a commitment to transparency. However, the incident also shows the need for better preventive measures to avoid future breaches.
Takeaway: Effective incident response plans should prioritize clear communication with stakeholders, including patients, employees, and regulators.
Compliance with evolving privacy laws
Healthcare organizations operate in a complex regulatory environment, with federal and state laws often imposing stringent requirements. Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant penalties and reputational damage.
Takeaway: Staying updated on regulatory changes and implementing compliant data practices is non-negotiable for healthcare providers.
FAQs
Why are healthcare organizations frequent targets for data breaches?
Healthcare organizations store vast amounts of sensitive data, including medical and financial information, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to commit fraud, identity theft, or sell data on the dark web.
What kinds of data are usually exposed in a healthcare breach?
Commonly exposed data includes names, contact information, Social Security numbers, health records, insurance details, and payment information. Occasionally, data like provider details, prescriptions, or test results may also be leaked.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
Tshedimoso Makhene
