Countless Medical Patients Get Exposed in Shields Healthcare Group Data Breach

Shields Healthcare Group is a technologically advanced health service provider that works with independent and large medical providers. The company manages health data, offers online services, and works to help medical providers keep their information secure and organized. This large-scale provider recently experienced a data breach that left them in a dangerous situation that could put countless patients at risk. 

How Did the Attack Occur?

It was first discovered there was a data breach on March 28, 2022. At that time, the company knew that an individual was able to break into the data network and access secure information about patients whose data was being managed by Shields Healthcare Group. The actual data breach first occurred on March 7 and continued until March 21, 2023. The full extent of the breach was determined after extensive research into the breach and what the attackers accessed while inside the network. It's unclear how the attackers were able to break into the file systems of the company, but they could have located a network software weakness or exploited an employee account to gain access via a phishing attack. 

What Information Was Viewed or Stolen?

While inside the file systems of Shields Healthcare, the attackers were able to get medical and personal data for many different patients. The data included things like insurance numbers and information, medical record numbers, treatment information, patient IDs, and diagnosis information. Along with all that medical information, the attackers also gained access to billing information, birthdates, Social Security numbers, first and last names, and medical provider information. All this information was taken for a huge number of different patients in the network. 

How Did Shields Healthcare Group Admit to the Breach?

On April 19, 2023, the company sent a report to the Maine Attorney General explaining this data loss incident and what information was lost for the many patients involved. Along with sending a report to the attorney general, the organization also sent out personalized letters to any individuals deemed to be involved in this attack. If you receive a letter from Shields Healthcare Group, you will get information about any details that may have been taken from you in the attack. 

What Will Become of the Stolen Information?

All the medical and personal information stolen in this attack will be leveraged for future credit and fraud attacks. The information will be used in an attempt to open new accounts and lines of credit and to spend money. The information may also be sold on the dark web for a profit. 

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

If you were impacted by this breach, you should take steps to safeguard your information. Begin by checking and monitoring your credit reports for any strange activity. Also, keep watch over your financial accounts for any unexpected expenses. Watch over your accounts closely and consider investing in credit monitoring services for additional protection. Taking these basic steps will help you avoid the most common issues that will result from your data being lost.