Family Vision of Anderson, P.A.

Your Personal Info Could Be

Exposed Online After

This Hospital Breach

Breach Description

Family Vision of Anderson Data Breach Overview

In May 2023, Family Vision of Anderson, P.A., an optometry practice based in Anderson, South Carolina, experienced a significant data breach. This incident exposed the personal and protected health information of approximately 62,631 individuals. The breach was the result of a ransomware attack, where an unauthorized party installed ransomware onto Family Vision’s server, encrypting the server and accessing confidential patient information[1][2][4].

Details of the Breach

The data breach was detected on May 22, 2023, one day after the ransomware was installed on the server[2]. The compromised information included a wide range of sensitive data, such as:

  • First and last names

  • Dates of birth

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Addresses
  • Telephone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Genders
  • Health insurance information
  • Protected health information, including medical record numbers and medical history[1][2][4].

Family Vision of Anderson responded to the breach by disabling its systems and launching an investigation into the cyberattack. They also notified law enforcement of the incident[1][10]. On July 26, 2023, the practice began sending out data breach notification letters to the affected individuals, advising them of the breach and the steps they could take to protect themselves from potential fraud or identity theft[1][4].

Legal and Consumer Response

The breach has led to investigations by data breach law firms and the potential for class action lawsuits against Family Vision of Anderson. Law firms are seeking to speak with victims of the breach to determine the damages they sustained and what compensation may be available to them[1][4]. Danielle L. Perry has been appointed as interim co-lead class counsel in a class action data breach lawsuit against Family Vision of Anderson, highlighting the legal actions being taken in response to the breach[12].

Protective Measures and Recommendations

Victims of the breach have been advised to review any breach notice carefully, enroll in free credit monitoring services provided by Family Vision of Anderson, change passwords and security questions for online accounts, regularly review account statements, monitor credit reports, and contact a credit bureau to request a temporary fraud alert[4].

About Family Vision of Anderson

Family Vision of Anderson is an optometry practice that offers comprehensive vision testing, eyeglass fitting and adjusting, contact lenses, and various types of vision therapy. The practice operates three locations in South Carolina, including in Clemson, Williamston, and Anderson, and treats patients with conditions such as dry eyes and glaucoma[1][14].

This data breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for healthcare providers and the need for individuals to remain vigilant in protecting their personal and health information.

Citations:

  1. https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/family-vision-of-anderson-data-breach-investigation/
  2. https://www.gs-legal.com/blog/2023/08/family-vision-of-anderson-p-a-south-carolina/
  3. https://www.tricare.mil
  4. https://www.turkestrauss.com/2023/07/27/family-vision-of-anderson-data-breach-investigation/
  5. https://consumer.sc.gov/sites/consumer/files/Documents/Security%20Breach%20Notices/FamilyVisionofAndersonPA.pdf
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/?src=hp1-0-H
  7. https://apps.web.maine.gov/online/aeviewer/ME/40/4ed99481-a053-43c5-af1e-054561034217.shtml
  8. https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/security-breaches/documents/family-visions-anderson-20230727.pdf
  9. https://sos.sc.gov
  10. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/family-vision-of-anderson-data-breach-1534646/
  11. https://www.washingtonpost.com
  12. https://www.masonllp.com/news_post/danielle-l-perry-appointed-as-interim-co-lead-counsel-in-family-vision/
  13. https://www.foxbusiness.com
  14. https://www.familyvisionpc.com
  15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
  16. https://consumer.sc.gov/identity-theft-unit/security-breach-notices
  17. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com
  18. https://www.hipaajournal.com/july-2023-healthcare-data-breach-report/
  19. https://www.ksl.com
Breach Submission Date Jul 25, 2023
Converted Entity Name Family Vision of Anderson, P.A.
Converted Entity Type Healthcare Provider
State SC
Individuals Affected 62,631
Breach Type Hacking/IT Incident

Breach Information Location Network Server

Business Associate Present Yes