CareNet Medical Group, PC

CareNet Medical Group, PC (CMG), based in New York, experienced a significant data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and health information of its patients. The breach was discovered to have occurred between May 9, 2022, and June 4, 2022, with the unauthorized access being identified on April 26, 2023. The compromised data included a wide range of personal information such as full names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, bank account numbers and routing numbers, dates of birth, medical reference numbers, Medicare numbers, cell phone numbers, home phone numbers, health insurance information, email addresses, and Social Security numbers. It’s important to note that not all information was affected for all individuals involved[1].

Upon discovering the breach, CMG took immediate action to contain and secure the threat and initiated a thorough investigation with the assistance of outside cybersecurity professionals. The investigation aimed to understand the extent of the breach and the specific data that was compromised. CMG began notifying affected individuals on June 2, 2023, and provided them with guidance on how to protect their information, including the recommendation to place fraud alerts and/or security freezes on their credit files and to remain vigilant in reviewing their financial account statements and explanation of benefits for any discrepancies[1].

To further assist those impacted, CMG offered credit monitoring services to individuals whose Social Security numbers were involved in the breach. The organization has also committed to enhancing its security and privacy practices to prevent future incidents[1].

This breach was part of a larger trend of healthcare data breaches in 2023, with hacking incidents accounting for a significant portion of the breaches reported in the healthcare sector. The CareNet Medical Group breach specifically affected 10,059 individuals, marking it as a notable incident among other healthcare data breaches during the same period[2].

For individuals concerned about their information’s security following this breach, CMG established a dedicated toll-free response line to address questions and provide additional information regarding the incident[1].

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges healthcare providers face in protecting sensitive patient information against unauthorized access and cyberattacks. It also highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for constant vigilance and improvement of data protection practices within the healthcare industry.

1. https://www.carenetmedical.com/data-breach[2] https://www.hipaajournal.com/june-2023-healthcare-data-breach-report/

Citations:

1. https://www.carenetmedical.com/data-breach
2. https://www.hipaajournal.com/june-2023-healthcare-data-breach-report/
3. https://www.classaction.org/media/ma-data-breach-report.pdf
4. https://www.turkestrauss.com/2023/06/06/carenet-medical-group-data-breach-investigation/
5. https://www.mass.gov/doc/data-breach-report-2023/download
6. https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshly-detor-92a37a13b
7. https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/carenet-medical-group-pc-data-breach-investigation/
8. https://www.insurancexdate.com/NY/KYkYMo/carenet-medical-group-pc
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279202/
10. https://www.mass.gov/doc/assigned-data-breach-number-29731-carenet-medical-group-pc/download
11. https://www.carenetmedical.com/providers
12. https://www.carenetmedical.com
13. https://www.hipaajournal.com/atlanta-womens-health-group-data-breach-impacts-33800-patients/
14. https://ago.vermont.gov/sites/ago/files/2023-06/2023-06-02%20CareNet%20Data%20Breach%20Notice%20to%20Consumers.pdf
15. https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/appellate-division-third-department/2016/521965.html