CareTree, Inc.

Overview of the CareTree, Inc. Data Breach

CareTree, Inc., a Chicago-based software company specializing in care management and patient advocate software for care providers, experienced a significant data breach. The breach was first detected on August 16, 2023, with unauthorized access traced back to July 21, 2023. The company completed its review of impacted files by October 13, 2023, and proceeded to notify affected individuals and regulatory authorities by December 11, 2023[14].

Details of the Breach

The unauthorized access resulted in the exposure of sensitive information, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, financial account information, dates of birth, medical information, and health insurance information[1][14]. The breach affected an unspecified number of individuals, with CareTree beginning to send out data breach notification letters to those impacted[8][14].

Company’s Response

Upon detecting unusual activity, CareTree secured its platform, alerted law enforcement, and initiated an investigation with external data security experts[14]. The company has taken steps to address the situation by reviewing its existing security policies and implementing additional cybersecurity measures[10]. CareTree has also reported the incident to law enforcement and is cooperating with their investigation[10].

Legal and Regulatory Actions

Several law firms are investigating the CareTree data breach, considering potential legal remedies for affected individuals[4][8]. CareTree has filed a notice of the data breach with the Attorney General of California and is notifying the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[1][6]. The breach has been reported to affect 5,474 individuals, suggesting that employees, in addition to patients, may have been impacted[3].

Recommendations for Affected Individuals

CareTree is offering credit monitoring and $1 million identity theft insurance for one year to those affected[13]. Individuals are advised to remain vigilant by reviewing account statements and monitoring credit reports for signs of identity theft[10]. They should also consider enrolling in the free credit monitoring services provided by CareTree and take steps to secure their personal information[4].

Conclusion

The CareTree data breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, especially for companies handling sensitive personal and medical information. As investigations continue, affected individuals are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their information and consider their legal options.

Citations:

1. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/caretree-confirms-data-breach-affected-9628320/
2. https://abingtonlaw.com/CareTree-Data-Breach-class-action-lawsuit.html
3. https://www.hipaajournal.com/warren-general-hospital-data-breach-affects-169000-patients/
4. https://www.turkestrauss.com/2023/11/18/caretree-inc-data-breach-investigation/
5. https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/data-stolen-hca-healthcare-breach/73-44c82437-a07a-4bb1-9c2d-8dc6454fd860
6. https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/security-breaches/documents/caretree-20231208.pdf
7. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hca-confirms-breach-after-hacker-steals-data-of-11-million-patients/
8. https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/caretree-data-breach-class-action-investigation-and-lawsuit-assistance/
9. https://www.scmagazine.com/feature/10-biggest-healthcare-data-breaches-of-2021-impact-over-22-6m-patients
10. https://www.caretree.me/data-notice
11. https://colevannote.com/investigations/
12. https://caretree.me/baa
13. https://apps.web.maine.gov/online/aeviewer/ME/40/51522faa-4a8d-4149-8429-4f9dc4c320bd.shtml
14. https://k1intelligence.com/caretree-data-breach-exposes-critical-patient-data-key-facts-revealed/