Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc.
Your Personal Info Could Be
Exposed Online After
This Hospital Breach
Breach Description
Community Memorial Healthcare Data Breach Overview
Community Memorial Healthcare, Inc. (CMH), a healthcare services provider located in Marysville, Kansas, experienced a significant data breach that was publicly disclosed in early 2024. The breach involved unauthorized access to the company’s IT network, leading to the potential exposure of sensitive patient information.
Timeline and Impact
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Detection and Initial Response: On October 18, 2023, CMH detected and halted a network security incident involving an unauthorized attempt to disable parts of the company’s computer network[1].
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Investigation Findings: The investigation, which concluded on December 29, 2023, revealed that an unauthorized party had gained access to CMH’s IT network. This access potentially compromised confidential patient information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and medical information[1].
- Notification: CMH began notifying affected individuals by sending out data breach letters on January 18, 2024. These letters aimed to inform victims about the breach and the information that was potentially compromised[1].
Measures Taken
Following the discovery of the breach, CMH took several steps to address the incident and mitigate its impact:
- Engaged specialized third-party forensic and technical resources to respond to the incident and assess the extent of the information impacted[7].
- Reviewed all locations where sensitive data could have been viewed to arrange for notification of all individuals whose sensitive data could have been exposed[7].
- Offered credit monitoring services to affected individuals and established a toll-free number for them to learn more about the incident[7].
About Community Memorial Healthcare
CMH is a healthcare provider that offers a wide range of services, including prevention, diagnosis, inpatient and outpatient treatment, rehabilitation, transitional care, home health, wellness, and education. It operates three clinics in Kansas and employs more than 166 people, generating approximately $22 million in annual revenue[1].
Legal and Consumer Advice
Victims of the data breach are advised to remain vigilant for signs of identity theft and fraud. They should monitor their accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity. Legal options may also be available, and affected individuals are encouraged to seek advice from data breach lawyers to understand their rights and potential remedies[1].
Conclusion
The data breach at Community Memorial Healthcare underscores the ongoing challenges healthcare providers face in securing sensitive patient information against unauthorized access. It also highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and prompt response strategies to mitigate the impact of such incidents on patients and the organization.
Citations:
- https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/community-memorial-healthcare-announces-7908764/
- https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/west-texas-gas-files-notice-of-data-3629008/
- https://www.cmhcare.org/getpage.php?name=cmhnews
- https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/marysville-hospital-reports-cybersecurity-incident/
- https://www.ksn.com/news/state-regional/biggest-health-care-data-breaches-you-should-know-about-in-kansas/
- https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/commonspirit-health-reported-it-security-incident-affecting-facilities-wash-neb-and
- https://www.cmhcare.org/getpage.php?name=Notice_of_Security_Breach&sub=Notice+of+Security+Breach
- https://www.kctv5.com/2024/01/04/north-kansas-city-hospital-notifies-patients-possible-data-breach/
- https://www.hipaajournal.com/pja-data-breach/
- https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/community-memorial-healthcare-data-breach-class-action-investigation-and-lawsuit-assistance/
- https://www.kmbc.com/article/hca-healthcare-says-data-breach-may-affect-patients-kansas-and-missouri/44523077
- https://www.cmhcare.org
- https://dojmt.gov/consumer/databreach/
- https://www.hipaajournal.com/december-2023-healthcare-data-breach-report/
- https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/breach/breach_report.jsf?ref=blog.gitguardian.com
- https://healthitsecurity.com/news/data-breach-goes-unnoticed-for-nearly-1-year-at-ks-hospital