112k Records Stolen from Population Health Analytics Platform, HealthEC
Table of Contents
- By Steven
- Published: Dec 27, 2023
- Last Updated: Dec 28, 2023
HealthEC (HEC) is an analytics and AI-assisted solution that siphons all relative information about patients into cohesive packages. Their tech can identify high-risk patients and their barriers to optimal care while providing options to close these care gaps. The data comes from healthcare systems and integrates with claims data to represent the patient best. HEC provides services to many centers, clinics, practices, and health organizations; consequently, this breach impacts patients from numerous HEC partners.
How Did the Attack Occur?
Little is public about the security breach or how thieves made the event happen. The Notice of Incident published on HEC’s website states that the unauthorized actor accessed their systems and copied specific files. The notice does not indicate further details, but the omissions may have meaning; for example, the notice does not suggest that ransomware or malware was involved. It could indicate the assailant’s plan for the data to be misused, like fraud or impersonation. Consequently, those with information exposed in this breach must take immediate action to protect themselves and their data.
What Information Was Viewed or Stolen?
The stolen data in this event differs between individuals and organizations; thus, those with data exposures from the breach will find additional details within their physical notice. The information stolen in this breach includes the patient name, residential address, date of birth, Social Security Number, taxpayer ID number, medical record numbers, medical information (like diagnosis/treatment/prescription, and provider), health insurance details (like Medicare/Medicaid numbers), and billing information (like patient account or ID number, and treatment costs).
HEC’s impacted partners include a list of 18 medical solutions providers. The degree of exposure differs between the organizations, however. These entities include Corewell Health, University of Medical Center Princeton, State of Tennessee, KidneyLink, Long Island Select Healthcare, Mid-Florida Cancer Centers, East Georgia Healthcare Center, and Hudson Valley Regional Community Health Centers.
How Did HealthEC Admit to the Breach?
HEC’s investigations determined the assailants accessed their systems on or around July 14th, 2023; they remained within the systems for nine days, until around July 23rd. HEC then began investigations, which concluded in late October. HEC officials then began notifying preliminary parties of the event. Two months later, internal reviews concluded, and around December 22nd, officials began sending public notices. Consumers and patients don’t need to wait for their notice to start monitoring their medical ID.
What Will Become of the Stolen Information?
The regulator notice and impact sample letter published on the Maine Attorney General’s website concerns MD Valuecare, LLC.; this party does not appear in the list of 18 published on their website notice. From this, we can deduce that the breach likely impacted more than currently known. The Maine filing states that 112,005 individuals may have had exposures, but this is unlikely the final number; with 18+ entities breached, the impact is likely to increase as investigations continue.
What Should Affected Parties Do in the Aftermath of the Breach?
The data stolen in this event is sensitive; with it, cybercriminals can use it for malicious (but lucrative) deeds. Additionally, because the information is not easily changed, many individuals may be exposed without cyber assistance. We suggest first securing changeable data like passwords and enabling security features on accounts like multi-factor authentications. Afterward, consider investing in monitoring services. They can alert account holders to suspicious activity and help mitigate the consequences of the breach. Don’t wait for the physical impact notice to start protecting yourself and your family.
