Unfortunately, data breaches can impact all aspects of consumer life, from where you shop online and do your banking to government agencies and healthcare providers. Medical data breaches, in particular, can be especially alarming, as they not only compromise your financial and sensitive personal information, but also your health records can end up in the hands of a stranger. As such, understanding how and why a medical data breach occurs and the steps you can take with a Los Angeles, California data breach lawyer to secure your identity is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters.
What Is a Medical Data Breach, and Why Are They Common?
Unfortunately, you’ll find that hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare providers are often the target of cybersecurity attacks with the intention of stealing patient information. Though it may seem better to go after banks or online stores, there are several reasons that hackers target these locations.
One of the most common reasons that doctors’ offices and other healthcare providers are targeted by hackers is that the information they obtain is incredibly valuable. Not only is health information incredibly sensitive, but it may also contain patient details like payment methods, billing addresses, insurance information, and social security numbers. As such, hospitals and medical groups are often willing to pay high ransoms to get this information back, meaning thieves can receive considerable funds from these hacks. In the event that hospitals do not pay the ransom, the information obtained through the hacks can be sold on the dark web. Often, because the information can be bundled together, hackers can make considerable income from selling patient data online.
In addition to the likelihood of a ransom payout, hackers find that these locations are often ill-equipped to handle cybersecurity attacks. Healthcare providers may not be as familiar with the necessary measures to help protect the information of their patients online. As such, thieves are often able to circumvent the security measures in place to steal the identities of patients.
What Can I Do to Secure My Identity?
If you are alerted that your information was involved in a data breach at a healthcare location, understanding the steps you should take to protect yourself is critical. Generally, the first thing you should os is contact the credit reporting bureaus to request that a fraud alert be placed on your account. This can help prevent accounts from being opened in your name.
Next, you should update all log-ins and enable two-factor authentication. Changing passwords can help prevent hackers from accessing important online accounts. Even with a login, two-factor authentication adds another layer of security to your accounts, as it requires a unique verification code.
Finally, you should connect with an experienced data breach attorney with Los Angeles Legal Solutions to help you explore your options during these matters. Our team understands how difficult it can be to navigate these matters to best protect yourself in the event of a breach, which is why we can help. In addition, we can help you explore your options for holding the provider responsible for failing to secure your sensitive information. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you during these matters.
