Arkansas Health System Discloses Data Breach

  • By Steven
  • Dec 07, 2022

Arkansas Health System Data Breach

Over the last few years, health systems have seen a considerable rise in cybersecurity incidents. According to CyberCrime Magazine, the healthcare industry will likely spend up to $125 billion on cybersecurity between 2020 and 2025. Some of this may be ransom payments, but the majority will most likely be to bolster companies’ security systems, protocols, and training for employees. 

Too many companies have discovered hacks that stemmed from an employee opening or responding to the wrong email, resulting in thousands, sometimes millions, of victims. Enhancing employee cybersecurity training will help companies fall victim to fewer scams, reducing their risk of malware and ransomware. Unfortunately, the Mena Regional Health System has fallen victim to yet another hack targeted at health providers.

How Did the Attack Occur?

This attack was likely a very stereotypical hack. An unauthorized party managed to work their way into the system’s back end, and access protected health information. “MRHS determined that an unauthorized party removed a limited number of files from our system,” stated the notice. “Upon detecting the incident, MRHS commenced an immediate and thorough investigation and alerted law enforcement. As part of our investigation, MRHS engaged leading cybersecurity experts to identify what personal information, if any, might have been present in the impacted files.” As the investigation furthered, MRHS found that a large amount of PII was involved, though the exact number of victims is unknown.

What Information Was Viewed or Stolen?

To put it mildly, this hack enhanced the risk of identity theft and other PII-related fraud for thousands. The data affected by the breach was listed on the health system’s website.

  • Social security numbers
  • Birthdays 
  • Full names
  • Medical record information
  • Patient information
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Financial account information
  • Government ID numbers
  • Diagnosis and treatment details
  • Prescription information
  • Lab results
  • Medical provider’s names
  • Health insurance information

How Did Mena Regional Health System Admit to the Breach?

 MRHS admitted to the breach through a few avenues. First, it contacted law enforcement; this was the first step to alerting the public and beginning the investigation. Second, the company concluded its investigation and filed a notice with the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. Last, MRHS notified the victims and posted a message on its site.

What Will Become of the Stolen Information?

The hacker will most likely sell the stolen information on the dark web. Financial account information and health information are usually the highest sellers on criminal sites, which is why the number of medical facilities being hacked has risen so dramatically over time.

What Should Affected Parties Do in the Aftermath of the Breach?

There are many resources available to people affected by data breaches, identity theft, or other cyber security incidents. Entire companies are dedicated to educating people on cybersecurity (like us!) and helping keep them safe. You can look at some of our other posts and learn more about cyber safety and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. MRHS also set up a helpline for victims of the breach that will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

About the Author
IDStrong Logo

Related Articles

Instagram Vulnerability Allowed Hackers Access to Control Your Phone

Security experts Check Point Research discovered a critical vulnerability while examining Instagra ... Read More

Alien Malware Infects More than 226 Mobile Apps and Steals Bank Data

As reported on September 24, 2020, by ZDNet and ThreatPost, a new strain of malware named “A ... Read More

Universal Health Systems Hit by Ransomware Attack

Universal Health Systems (UHS), a Fortune 500 company owning more than 400 hospitals across the co ... Read More

Exchange Server Bug Exposes a Big Risk to Hackers

Months after Microsoft released a patch to fix a serious flaw in MS Exchange Server, more than 61% ... Read More

Clients’ Bank Data Exposed in Blackbaud Ransomware Attack

Blackbaud software was victim to a ransomware attack last May, and new information suggests that c ... Read More

Latest Articles

Family Dollar & Dollar Tree Bleed Consumer Data Following Cyberattack

Family Dollar & Dollar Tree Bleed Consumer Data Following Cyberattack

In 2015, Family Dollar acquired its biggest competitor, Dollar Tree. Family Dollar is one-half of a consumer's dream; they offer low-priced goods for families in 8,200 locations nationwide.

Weekly Cybersecurity Recap December 1

Weekly Cybersecurity Recap December 1

This week, cybercriminals targeted health lifestyle members, patients, gamblers, and general consumers. Early on, Welltok returned to the news, this time with over 426k member data stolen by assailants; the organizations impacted by the breach were Premier Health and Graphic Packaging International.

Caesars Entertainment Breach Update, Millions of Gambler Records Compromised

Caesars Entertainment Breach Update, Millions of Gambler Records Compromised

Caesars Entertainment (CE) oversees 58 gaming properties across the continental states. Their locations include world destinations, nightlife activities, a comprehensive concierge, and an industry-leading approach to draw millions of gamblers weekly.

Featured Articles

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

How to Buy a House with Bad Credit

Buying your own home is the American Dream, but it might seem out of reach to those with bad credit. However, the good news is, if your credit is less than perfect, you do still have options and in most cases, can still buy a home.

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

How Secure Is Your Password? Tips to Improve Your Password Security

Any good IT article on computers and network security will address the importance of strong, secure passwords. However, the challenge of good passwords is that most people have a hard time remembering them, so they use simple or obvious ones that pose a security risk.

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Top 10 Senior Scams and How to Prevent Them

Senior scams are becoming a major epidemic for two reasons. First, seniors often have a lot of money in the bank from a life of working hard and saving.

Free Identity Threat Scan
Instantly Check if Your Personal Information is Exposed
All fields below are required
Please enter first name
Please enter last name
Please enter a city
Please select a state
Please enter an age
Please enter an email address
Close