Massive Healthcare Data Breach: What You Need to Know

One of the new healthcare data breaches has left many people concerned about their identity. Some of them mentioned they received letters. These letters suggested their details might be leaked. A technology consultant breaks down the details of this. 

technology consultant: Massive Healthcare Data Breach and What You Need to Know

Understanding the Breach 

Change Healthcare is a technology business that is owned by UnitedHealth Group. They are serving numerous doctors, insurers, and health organizations. However, in February this year, they experienced a ransomware attack. As a result, services in thousands of medical facilities and pharmacies were impacted. Hence, affecting about one-third of Americans. Additionally, UnitedHealth Care CEO has reported to the US Senate committee that $22 million was handed over to hackers. Unfortunately, though, many of the affected individuals only learned of their situation recently.  

Why the Delay in Notifications? 

It was only toward the end of July that Change Healthcare started mailing the notices to the affected individuals. Accordingly, this was partly because the data was vast and detailed. However, the company said that they are willing to advise as many concerned clients, as soon as possible. 

Steps to Protect Your Information 

If you suspect your information may have been involved, you can take the following steps to protect yourself: 

Verify the Notification 

See to it that the breach notice is real. Similarly, avoid emails or text messages that say that you have to do anything. Most likely, it is a scam. Accordingly, Change Healthcare is only providing these notices by post mail. 

Visit Official Resources 

Affected consumers should visit Change Healthcare’s consumer support page. Additionally, they can also check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services page for such information. 

Freeze Your Credit 

Freeze your credit now! There is no time to waste as this helps stop other people from unauthorized opening of accounts under your name. 

Sign Up for Credit Monitoring 

Free credit monitoring is common as a courtesy after a breach has occurred in several organizations. Use this service or take some measures to track your credit score on your own. 

Update Your Passwords Technology Consultant

Everyone must change their password for accounts connected to health care. Similarly, all accounts with the same passwords as those connected to the healthcare ones must be changed as well. This technology consultant recommends using password managers for better password quality and protection. 

Monitor Statements Closely Technology Consultant

Always check your bank statement, insurance bill, and the statement from your healthcare provider. Make sure to compare them with personal records such as receipts, appointment dates and the likes. Furthermore, do not hesitate to report any suspicious or unauthorized transactions in your statements. 

Get Help from Reliable and Experienced Technology Consultant 

With the frequency of data breaches now at an all-time high, organizations should work with technology consultants to bolster cybersecurity protocols and measures. This allows this expert to develop proper protocols to avoid any such occurrences, hence guaranteeing the security of such data. Here at EB Solutions, we have solid cybersecurity measures for detection and prevention of these attacks. Moreover, to further strengthen your cybersecurity posture, we also have business continuity and disaster recovery systems that you can take advantage of. Book your consultation today and let us show you our IT and cybersecurity solutions for your small to medium businesses. 

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