Community Healthcare Network, Inc.

Community Healthcare Network, Inc. Data Breach Overview

Community Healthcare Network, Inc. (CHN), a primary healthcare provider serving diverse communities in New York City, experienced a significant data breach on October 1, 2023. The incident led to a major network disruption, affecting CHN’s ability to access certain systems. Upon discovering the breach, CHN promptly engaged cybersecurity specialists to assist in the incident response, which included recovering impacted systems and restoring normal business operations. A forensic investigation was initiated with the help of third-party experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident[1].

Details of the Breach

The breach resulted in unauthorized access to sensitive information. Although the investigation into the potentially affected information is ongoing, CHN has confirmed that certain information was accessible due to the incident. The types of information believed to be potentially impacted include:

• Names

• Addresses

• Phone numbers
• Dates of birth
• Health insurance information
• Health insurance ID numbers
• Patient ID numbers
• Provider names
• Service dates
• Social Security numbers (in a limited number of cases)[1]

Response and Measures Taken

CHN has taken several steps in response to the breach:

• Notification and Cooperation: CHN notified law enforcement officials and is cooperating with their investigation. They have also filed a notice of the data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights[4].

• Ongoing Investigation: The forensic investigation is ongoing to identify the full extent of the breach and the specific individuals impacted[1].

• Credit Monitoring and Identity Protection Services: CHN is offering free access to credit monitoring and identity protection services to potentially impacted individuals as a precautionary measure[1].
• Direct Notification: Upon completion of the investigation, CHN will directly notify individuals whose information has been identified as impacted[1].

Recommendations for Affected Individuals

CHN advises individuals concerned about the incident or those wishing to enroll in the offered credit monitoring and identity protection services to contact a dedicated assistance line at 877-881-0623, available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m[1].

Conclusion

The data breach at Community Healthcare Network, Inc. underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive patient information. CHN’s response highlights their commitment to addressing the breach’s impacts and safeguarding against future incidents. Affected individuals are encouraged to take advantage of the resources provided by CHN to protect their personal information.

Citations:

1. https://www.chnnyc.org/notice-of-data-incident/
2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/healthalliance-cyberattack-hackers-stole-patient-information-new-york-westchester-medical-center-health-network/
3. https://www.ecommunity.com
4. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/community-healthcare-network-notifies-5438520/
5. https://www.northwell.edu
6. https://healthitsecurity.com/news/community-health-network-notifies-1.5m-of-data-breach-stemming-from-tracking-tech
7. https://completecarenj.org
8. https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/chs-to-notify-1-million-in-breach-linked-to-software-flaw-a-21405
9. https://www.daytondailynews.com/business/soin-family-suing-kettering-health-for-alleged-breach-of-contract-over-naming-rights/WDO475ACSZDBZN3LXPFPWV3JMM/
10. https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf?ref=blog.gitguardian.com
11. https://www.humana.com
12. https://fox59.com/indiana-news/community-health-network-notifies-patients-of-data-breach/
13. https://atriumhealth.org
14. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/first-choice-community-healthcare-inc-6860484/
15. https://www.databreachtoday.com
16. https://www.hipaajournal.com/november-2022-healthcare-data-breach-report/
17. https://www.upmchealthplan.com