According to federal officials, over 88 million Americans were affected by data breaches in the first 10 months of 2023 alone. The healthcare industry has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Sensitive details such as medical histories, insurance policy numbers, and even financial information can be used by malicious actors to commit a wide range of fraudulent activities, from running up bills on stolen credit cards to filing fraudulent tax returns.
Moreover, the implications of a healthcare data breach extend far beyond financial consequences. Compromised medical records can be used to blackmail individuals, exposing sensitive diagnoses or treatments that they may have preferred to keep private. This can have a devastating impact on an individual's mental health, privacy, and overall well-being.
Read more: Why is healthcare a juicy target for cybercrime?
Navigating the aftermath of a data breach
When faced with the unsettling news of a healthcare data breach, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. However, by taking a methodical approach, you can mitigate the potential harm and regain a sense of control over the situation.
These are the steps you should take in the aftermath of a data breach:
Verify the legitimacy of the notification
The first step is to carefully examine the notification you receive from your healthcare provider or organization. Be on the lookout for any red flags, such as spelling and grammatical errors, urgent requests for personal information, or suspicious email addresses. Legitimate notifications should provide clear and concise details about the incident, the type of information compromised, and the measures being taken to address the situation.
Understand the scope of the breach
Once you have verified the authenticity of the notification, understand the full extent of the data breach. Gather as much information as possible about the types of personal and medical information that may have been accessed or stolen. This includes details such as your medical history, insurance policy numbers, Social Security numbers, and any financial information that may have been compromised.
Monitor your accounts and credit reports
Closely monitor your bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Be on the lookout for unauthorized charges, new accounts opened in your name, or any other signs of identity theft. Many organizations offer free credit monitoring services, which can help you stay informed about any changes to your credit profile.
Freeze your credit and secure your accounts
Consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts to further protect yourself from potential financial harm. This will prevent creditors from accessing your credit report, making it difficult for cybercriminals to open new accounts in your name. Additionally, ensure that you change the passwords for all of your online accounts, especially those related to your healthcare, insurance, and financial information.
Report suspicious activity and seek legal recourse
If you notice any suspicious activity or unauthorized charges, report them immediately to your healthcare provider, insurance company, and financial institutions. Additionally, you may want to consider consulting with a legal professional to explore your options for seeking compensation or taking legal action against the responsible party, if the data breach was a result of negligence or inadequate security measures.
Read also: Navigating HIPAA’s Breach Notification Rule
Proactive measures to safeguard your health data
There are proactive steps you can take to enhance the security of your personal information and mitigate the risk of future breaches.
Prioritize strong password practices
Ensure that you use unique, complex passwords for all of your online accounts, especially those related to your healthcare and financial information. Consider using a password manager to generate and store your passwords securely. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
Limit sharing of personal information
Be cautious about the personal and medical information you share with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and other organizations. Provide only the necessary details and avoid volunteering more information than is required.
Stay vigilant and educate yourself
Regularly review your credit reports and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting your personal data. Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services to further safeguard your information.
Advocate for stronger data protection measures
Engage with your healthcare providers and policymakers to advocate for data protection policies and regulations. Encourage organizations to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures and to be transparent about data breaches when they occur.
Related: Tips on proactive data breach prevention for small healthcare practices
FAQs
What is a data breach involving health information?
A data breach is when unauthorized individuals access sensitive health information without permission, which can lead to identity theft and fraud.
Can my healthcare provider be held responsible for the breach?
Yes, healthcare providers must follow HIPAA regulations to protect your information. If they fail to do so, they may be held accountable and face penalties.
Will I be notified if my health information is hacked?
Yes, under HIPAA, healthcare providers must notify you if your health information is involved in a breach.
How can I protect my health information in the future?
Be cautious about sharing personal information, use secure passwords, and regularly monitor your medical and insurance records for any unusual activity.
What rights do I have if my health information is compromised?
You have the right to request a copy of your medical records, ask for corrections, and file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) if your rights are violated.
Learn more: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
Farah Amod
