Keck Medicine of USC
Your Personal Info Could Be
Exposed Online After
This Hospital Breach
Breach Description
Overview of the Keck Medicine of USC Data Breach
In October 2022, Keck Medicine of USC experienced a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of an unknown number of individuals. This incident involved unauthorized access to and copying of information from business email accounts within Keck Medicine of USC’s network, hosted by Conifer. The breach prompted Keck Medicine of USC to begin sending out data breach notification letters to affected individuals on October 6, 2022, to inform them of the incident and the steps being taken in response[1].
Data Compromised in the Breach
The data accessed during the breach included sensitive personal and medical information, such as:
-
Full Names
-
Dates of Birth
- Addresses
- Medicaid or Medicare Numbers
- Medical and Treatment Information
- Billing and Claims Information
- Health Insurance Information[1]
Response and Legal Investigation
Following the discovery of the breach, Keck Medicine of USC took immediate steps to address the situation, including notifying affected individuals and offering them advice on how to protect themselves from potential identity theft or fraud. Additionally, the law firm Markovits, Stock & DeMarco, LLC, known for its expertise in data breach class action litigation, began investigating claims on behalf of the victims of the breach. The firm has been reaching out to affected individuals to inform them of their legal rights and potential remedies in response to the data security breach[1].
Recommendations for Affected Individuals
Affected individuals were advised to remain vigilant by monitoring their account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. They were also encouraged to consider placing a fraud alert on their credit files and to explore the possibility of a credit freeze to prevent further misuse of their personal information[1].
Conclusion
The data breach at Keck Medicine of USC highlights the ongoing risks and challenges that healthcare institutions face in protecting sensitive patient information against cyber threats. It underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and prompt response strategies to mitigate the impact of such incidents on individuals’ privacy and security. As the investigation continues, affected individuals are urged to take proactive steps to protect their personal information and to seek legal advice if necessary[1].
Citations:
- https://www.msdlegal.com/blog/2022/10/keck-medicine-of-usc-data-breach-class-action-investigation/
- https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/innovation/ca-medical-center-repels-ransomware-attack
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/keck-medical-center-hit-cyberthieves-mark-brohan?trk=articles_directory
- https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/university-southern-california-hospitals-recover-ransomware-attack
- https://telehealth.keckmedicine.org/quality-transparency/records/
- https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/NOTICE%20%5BFINAL%5D_0.pdf
- https://www.hcinnovationgroup.com/cybersecurity/news/13027506/uscs-keck-medical-center-reports-ransomware-attack
- https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/databreach/list
- https://archive.org/details/cadoj_keck-medicine-of-usc_sb24-557818
- https://dailytrojan.com/news/2022/01/21/lawsuit-alleges-negligence-fraud-at-keck-hospital/
- https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2016/10/03/keck-medical-center-hit-cyberthieves/
- https://www.keckmedicine.org/quality-transparency/records/
- https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article252991988.html
- https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/security-breaches/documents/usc-keck-conifer-revenue-cycle-solutions-20220930.pdf
- https://www.latimes.com/science/story/2023-11-24/usc-neuroscientist-faces-scrutiny-after-data-allegations
- https://www.hipaajournal.com/ransomware-attack-announced-by-keck-medical-center-of-usc-3605/
- https://today.usc.edu/breast-cancer-spread-brain-metastasis-usc-study/
- https://www.keckmedicine.org/locations/330-old-newport-blvd-newport-beach/
- https://dailytrojan.com/news/2022/05/29/disputes-over-hospital-management-being-resolved/
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-19/acrimony-threats-and-fraud-accusations-l-a-county-and-usc-spar-over-hospital-management
- https://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-usc-doctor-20170717-htmlstory.html
- https://hscnews.usc.edu/keck-medicine-of-usc-takes-defense-against-cyber-attacks