Data breaches happen all the time, and while no data breach should be ignored, those involving healthcare organizations require special attention.

These violations can be very damaging and haunt people for life. Recently, hackers leaked the personal data of approximately 500,000 Americans.

They breached the databases of the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), which claims to be “America’s largest physician-run vein center,” stealing not only personal data but also medical records.

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A doctor filling out a form (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What you need to know

CVR, a clinic headquartered in Maryland, was the victim of a massive data breach in which hackers stole highly sensitive personal information, including lab results and health insurance information, as reported Cybernews. The breach occurred in early October, with the clinic detecting “unusual activity” in its systems on October 6.

CVR has more than 110 branches across the country, from Alabama to Alaska. This violation affected hundreds of thousands of people. According to a opinion filed by CVR According to the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the personal information of more than 445,000 people was compromised.

As its name suggests, CVR specializes in vein restoration, a highly specialized procedure aimed at improving the health and function of veins. This means that the clinic keeps a very elaborate record of its patients’ health, and all of this is now in the hands of hackers, along with large amounts of personal information.

The full list of exposed data includes addresses, dates of birth, social security numbersdriver’s license numbers, medical record numbers, diagnoses, laboratory results, medications, treatment information, health insurance information, provider names, treatment dates, and financial information.

The interior of a health center (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Risks Associated with CVR Data Breach

The risks of data breaches depend on the type of business involved. For example, violations involving companies like Ticketmaster are generally easier to manage because they often expose information such as contact details, addresses and, in some cases, identification documents. Even if financial data is leaked, it can usually be mitigated by replacing or blocking compromised accounts.

Healthcare data breaches, however, are much more serious. When companies like CVR are targeted, hackers gain access to sensitive data. medical records which cannot be modified. Your medical history is permanent and highly searched on the dark web. Cybercriminals can use this information to commit identity fraud, such as obtaining prescription drugs through false insurance claims. Additionally, detailed knowledge of medical treatments, lab results, and medications allows attackers to create highly targeted phishing scams, exploiting victims’ vulnerabilities with alarming precision.

We reached out to CVR for comment, but did not receive a response before our deadline.

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7 ways to protect yourself from such data breaches

1. Monitor your financial and medical accounts regularly: Periodically review your medical records and health insurance statements for unusual or unauthorized activity. This can help you quickly identify and resolve any anomalies or fraudulent activity.

Use patient portals provided by healthcare providers to access your medical records online. These portals often have features that allow you to track your medical history and appointments.

2. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Create strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, including healthcare portals. Avoid using easy-to-guess information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

3. Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) as far as possible: 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authenticator app, in addition to your password.

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4. Don’t fall into the phishing trap; use powerful antivirus software: Be careful about what information you share online and who you share it with. Avoid providing sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or medical information, unless absolutely necessary. Verify the legitimacy of any request for personal information. Scammers often pose as healthcare providers or insurance companies to trick you into revealing sensitive data by asking you to click on links in emails or messages.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

5. Use identity theft protection services: Consider signing up for identity theft protection services that monitor your personal information and alert you to potential threats. These services can help you detect and respond to identity theft more quickly. Some identity theft protection services also offer insurance and assistance with recovery from identity theft, providing additional peace of mind. Check out my tips and top picks for protecting yourself against identity theft.

6. Freeze your credit: A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name without your permission, reducing the risk of identity theft. Contact the major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) to request a credit freeze. This is often free and can be temporarily waived when you need to apply for credit.

7. Delete your personal data from the Internet: After participating in a data breach, it is essential to minimize your online presence to reduce the risk of future scams. Consider using a personal data removal service that can help you remove your information from various websites and data brokers. This can significantly reduce the risk of your data being misused. Check out my top picks for data deletion services here.

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Kurt’s key point

The CVR data breach is deeply troubling, affecting nearly half a million people and exposing highly sensitive medical and personal information. What makes this breach particularly concerning is the lasting impact that health data breaches can have on victims, from identity theft to targeted phishing scams. Whether you were directly affected or not, this is a stark reminder to take proactive steps, such as monitoring your accounts, enabling multi-factor authentication, and being vigilant against phishing attempts.

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