Virginia Gay Hospital notified their patients about the data security incident

Virginia Gay Hospital based in Vinton of Iowa state has become aware about the data security incident, which might have led to disclosure of personal information of their patients. The incident was immediately investigated by the Virginia Gay Hospital, and letters were sent to possibly affected patients to alert and notify them about the phishing attack as well as to provide them information on the steps they could take in order to protect themselves.

The Virginia Gay Hospital has discovered on Jun. 18, 2019, that one of their employees fall prey to a phishing attack. The hospital also determined that an unknown third-party might have accessed some of the protected health information of certain patients contained in that employee's email account.

The Virginia Gay Hospital has engaged a computer forensic firm in order to help investigate as well as determine what kind of information might have been impacted. The investigation determined that the patient information stored in that compromised employee email account included the patient names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and medical information of those who have received the outpatient services in the hospital. Although the Virginia Gay Hospital has not found any evidence that will suggest that the patient information has been accessed, copied, or misused by the intruder, they wanted to provide the notice of this data security incident, along with the information related to available resources.

The breach report that was submitted to HHS' Office for Civil Rights shows that 5,030 individuals were impacted by this incident.

The hospital values as well as respects their patients' privacy. This is the reason why the notification letters regarding this data security incident have been mailed, which included information about this incident and steps possibly impacted individuals could take so as to protect themselves. In addition, toll-free call center has been established by the Virginia Gay Hospital to answer questions regarding this incident and all related concerns. Anyone having queries can contact the call center at (855) 940-0843 from Monday to Friday in between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Central Time.

The Virginia Gay Hospital genuinely regrets any inconvenience or concern that this matter might cause to their patients, and stays dedicated to protect their patient's personal information.

» SPAMfighter News - 9/4/2019