City of Homer

Data Security Incident at the City of Homer

The City of Homer, Alaska, experienced a data security incident involving a misplaced portable storage device. This device was used for data migration efforts and contained backup medical information collected by the City in response to emergency medical service and transportation calls. The lost data may include individuals’ Social Security numbers and/or dates of birth. The City discovered the incident on October 5, 2023, and has since been taking steps to address the situation and notify affected individuals.

Incident Details

• Date Discovered: October 5, 2023

• Data Involved: Backup of medical information, potentially including Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

• Action Taken: The City is notifying individuals whose information may have been on the drive and recommends that individuals remain vigilant to protect against potential fraud and/or identity theft. This includes reviewing account statements, monitoring credit reports, and reporting any fraudulent activity to law enforcement authorities.
• Preventative Measures: Individuals are advised to review tips provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on fraud alerts, security/credit freezes, and steps to avoid identity theft.
• Assistance Offered: A dedicated call center has been established to address questions related to this incident, available at 888-983-0570 from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Alaska Standard Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major US holidays.

City’s Commitment

The City of Homer has expressed its commitment to the privacy of individuals and the serious treatment of personal information under its control. Despite the loss of the storage device, there has been no indication that the personal information has been used to commit fraud or identity theft as of the date of the notice. The City continues to take its responsibility to safeguard personal information seriously and is working to prevent future incidents[2].

For further information or assistance regarding this incident, affected individuals or those concerned can reach out to the dedicated call center or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

Citations:

1. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/planning/compliance-concerns
2. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/citymanager/notice-data-security-incident
3. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/ordinance/ordinance-18-14a-amend-hcc-118-code-conduct
4. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/fire/emergency-operations-plan
5. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/ordinance/ordinance-11-30-amend-hcc-1004110-violation-penalty-payment-parking-violation-citations
6. https://www.hipaa.info/prosmile-holdings-valley-health-system-texas-behavioral-health-network-and-city-of-homer-affected-by-data-breach/
7. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/ordinances/xls?ending%5Bmin%5D=2014-08-31+18%3A44%3A22&ending%5Bvalue%5D=2014-08-31+18%3A44%3A22&height=100%25&iframe=true&order=field_ordinance_resolution_id&page=3&sort=asc&starting%5Bmin%5D=2013-08-01+18%3A44%3A22&starting%5Bvalue%5D=2013-08-01+18%3A44%3A22&width=100%25
8. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/emergency-information/how-do-i-get-emergency-notifications-information
9. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/ordinance/ordinance-17-03-amending-city-code-scheduled-offenses-and-fines
10. https://www.hipaajournal.com/heart-of-texas-behavioral-health-network-cyberattack/
11. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/cityclerk/s-w
12. https://www.homernews.com/news/city-council-to-hold-public-hearings-at-next-meeting/
13. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov
14. https://dojmt.gov/consumer/databreach/
15. https://www.kbayconservation.org/post/city-of-homer-proposed-jet-ski-ordinance
16. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ordinance/17141/ord_17-03.pdf
17. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/ordinances
18. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/ordinances?ending%5Bmin%5D=2011-12-28+18%3A53%3A30&ending%5Bvalue%5D=2011-12-28+18%3A53%3A30&order=field_adopted_date&page=17&sort=desc&starting%5Bmin%5D=2010-12-28+18%3A53%3A30&starting%5Bvalue%5D=2010-12-28+18%3A53%3A30
19. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/finance/online-bill-pay-tips-and-frequently-asked-questions
20. https://law.justia.com/cases/alaska/supreme-court/1996/s-6532-1.html
21. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/cityclerk/request-proposals-upgrades-video-security-systems-homer-airport-public-library
22. https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ord_12-24a.pdf