Healthcare Data Breaches in 2024
Who cares about my health data?
Why is it even important to know this stuff? Read on to see…
December 2024 Healthcare Data Breaches – Your Privacy is at Risk
As we wrap up 2024, one thing is clear: our personal health information has never been more vulnerable. December alone saw a wave of healthcare data breaches that should have you seriously questioning how secure your data really is. And while no breach hit the terrifying milestone of 1 million compromised records, some came very close. So, let’s take a look at what went down — and why you should be paying close attention.
The Biggest Breaches of December 2024
Imagine this: you trust a platform used by healthcare providers for after-hours communication, and then hackers gain access to 914,138 records. That’s exactly what happened at ConnectOnCall.com. Your private medical details? Probably in the hands of cybercriminals right now.
Richmond University Medical Center
If you thought your health records were safe in the hands of a reputable medical center, think again. Richmond University Medical Center reported a breach impacting 674,033 individuals. Hackers now have access to your personal health data. How comforting.
Other Alarming Incidents
It didn’t stop there. Several other breaches rocked the healthcare sector in December, including incidents at River Region Cardiology, Center for Vein Restoration, Regional Care, and Tycon Medical Systems. You can bet your data was likely compromised. And the worst part? We don’t even know the full extent of the damage yet.
Not Just Hacking: A New Kind of Nightmare
It gets worse. Not all breaches were caused by the typical hacking attacks. Some were more sinister, and frankly, more disturbing.
Atrium Health
Think your private health information is only shared with your doctor? Think again. Atrium Health mishandled the data of 585,959 patients by allowing website tracking technologies (yes, Meta and Google) to gather your data without your consent. That’s right — your health info was likely shared with advertisers. How’s that for a breach of trust?
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Then there’s UT Southwestern Medical Center, where employees were using an unauthorized calendar app to store patient data. That means your sensitive health info was accessible to a third-party company — with no legal agreement in place to protect it. Your data was just floating around, unprotected, like a lost treasure for cybercriminals to find.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
Let’s be real: your personal health data is being exposed — whether by cybercriminals or by the reckless use of unapproved apps and technologies. The consequences? Identity theft, financial fraud, exposure of private medical conditions, healthcare records might be accessed and altered, it could lead to incorrect diagnoses, medication prescriptions, or treatment plans, fraudulent insurance claims.… the list goes on. And the worst part is, once that data is out there, it’s nearly impossible to get back.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
Monitor Your Accounts: Hackers love stealing your health data and using it for fraud. Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. It’s not just about your health, it’s your money too.
Beware of Phishing: Scammers are circling like vultures, waiting for a breach to exploit. Be extra cautious of unsolicited emails or phone calls trying to get your personal info. They know about the breaches and they’re ready to strike.
Request Breach Notifications: If you haven’t already been notified about a breach affecting your data, get proactive. Ask your healthcare providers or insurers. By law, they’re supposed to notify you. But don't hold your breath—sometimes they’ll drag their feet.
Consider Credit Monitoring: You’re going to want to stay ahead of this. Consider enrolling in credit monitoring to spot any fraud before it ruins your financial life.
Your Data is at Risk, and We’re Here to Help
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to face this terrifying reality alone. With our services, you won’t have to worry about where you’ve stored your sensitive data or when it’s time to close accounts. We make sure your private information is securely stored and managed so you don’t have to wonder whether it’s floating around in some hacker’s hands.
If a breach has impacted you, rest assured — Dexit is here to help you protect what matters. With our services, you will never have to worry about forgetting where you’ve stored all your private health data or the fear of not being able to close your accounts in time. When it’s time to close accounts, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
As we head into 2025, let's hope healthcare organizations step up their game. But until they do, you’ve got us in your corner, keeping your data safe and making sure your information stays where it belongs: with you.
Stay vigilant. Stay protected. And remember, with us, you won’t forget where you store your private data, and you won’t miss the chance to close accounts before it’s too late.
