The Help at Home breach occurred when a former third party vendor's network server was hacked, exposing sensitive personal and medical information of over 26,000 individuals.
What happened
Help at Home is a healthcare provider that offers in home care services to individuals who need assistance with daily activities, medical care, and personal support. They focus on helping people live independently in their homes by providing services like skilled nursing, personal care, and support for those with disabilities or chronic conditions.
In March 2024, Help at Home's former third party vendor discovered a data breach that potentially exposed sensitive information, including names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, financial account details, usernames, passwords, and certain medical and health insurance information. The breach occurred due to a hacking or IT incident that targeted the vendor's network server.
On June 19, 2024, the vendor provided Help at Home with a list of impacted individuals, totaling 26,744 people. However, it wasn't until August 16, 2024, that Help at Home began mailing notification letters to those whose information had been compromised.
What was said
In the breach notification Help at Home stated that: “... the vendor advised Help at Home that the vendor reviewed the data to determine if the data contained individuals’ personal information.”
Why it matters
According to Paubox’s April Breach Report, in March 2024 network server breaches were the leading cause of data exposure, affecting over 2.7 million people across the country. The HAH breach is part of a broader pattern where healthcare organizations are targeted by cybercriminals, often leading to devastating consequences for both patients and providers.
The healthcare sector is a prime target for cyberattacks due to the valuable nature of the data it holds. Protected health information (PHI) is incredibly sensitive, and once compromised, it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and even blackmail. The rise in network server breaches, like the one that affected HAH, emphasizes the urgent need for stronger security measures within the industry.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
FAQs
What is a network server?
A network server is a powerful computer that stores and manages data for other computers in a network.
What is a cyberattack?
A cyberattack is an attempt by hackers to damage, steal, or gain unauthorized access to data and systems.
What is PHI?
Protected health information, is any personal medical information that is protected by privacy laws.
Kirsten Peremore
