If you suspect that your healthcare data has been compromised, you should take the following steps:
- Activate Your Incident Response Plan: If you have an incident response plan, put it into action immediately to stop further data loss and repair your systems.
- Freeze Everything: Disconnect affected devices from the network without shutting them down or altering them, to preserve evidence for investigation.
- Notify Authorities: Report the breach to your local police to create an official record. You should also contact federal agencies like the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Change Passwords: Update credentials and passwords for all affected accounts to prevent further unauthorized access.
- Check Auditing and Logging Systems: Review these systems to understand the scope of the breach and identify what information may have been compromised.
- Notify Affected Parties: If the breach involves unsecured protected health information, you are required by HIPAA to notify affected individuals. If the breach affects more than 500 individuals, you must also notify prominent media outlets and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult with legal experts to understand your obligations and ensure compliance with all relevant laws, such as HIPAA and the FTC’s Health Breach Notification Rule.
- Review Financial Accounts: Check your financial accounts for any unauthorized activity, as compromised healthcare data can lead to identity theft and fraud.
- Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Ask for a copy of any records that may have been exposed and inquire whether the data was encrypted or if credit monitoring services are being offered.
- Monitor Your Credit: Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your accounts, especially if sensitive information like your Social Security number was exposed.
- Correct Your Medical Records: If you find inaccuracies in your medical records as a result of the breach, request corrections and ensure a statement of your dispute is included with your records.
- Stay Informed and Vigilant: Keep abreast of any updates from your healthcare provider and monitor your health records regularly for any further discrepancies.
Remember, quick and decisive action is crucial in mitigating the damage of a healthcare data breach.