San Diego American Indian Health Center

The San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC) experienced a significant data breach that was discovered on July 22, 2022, after initially occurring on May 5, 2022. This breach affected a total of 27,367 individuals, including 3 residents of Maine. The breach involved an external system hack that compromised sensitive personal information, including names in combination with driver’s license numbers or non-driver identification card numbers[1].

In response to the breach, the San Diego American Indian Health Center took steps to notify affected individuals through written communication on August 15, 2022. To mitigate the impact of the breach, the center offered identity theft protection services for 12 months, which included credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, a $1 million identity fraud loss reimbursement policy, and fully-managed identity theft recovery services provided by IDX[1].

The San Diego American Indian Health Center, established in 1979, offers medical, dental, and behavioral services primarily to local Native Americans, as well as to all residents of the San Diego area. The breach potentially exposed various types of sensitive patient information, underscoring the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting health data[3].

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges healthcare organizations face in safeguarding personal information against sophisticated cyber attacks. It also emphasizes the importance of prompt breach discovery, notification, and remediation efforts to protect affected individuals from potential identity theft and fraud[1][3].

Citations:

1. https://apps.web.maine.gov/online/aeviewer/ME/40/091d191c-b274-40ce-a399-98a89b604d2e.shtml
2. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2023-10-20/opinion-san-diego-american-indian-health-center-western-medicine-native-spirituality
3. https://www.idstrong.com/data-breaches/sdaihc-breach/
4. https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2023/05/12/urban-native-americans-heal-share-traditions-youth-center-san-diego
5. https://www.databreaches.net/san-diego-american-indian-health-center-over-27000-people-are-affected-by-data-theft/
6. https://news.blueshieldca.com/2023/11/13/blue-shield-of-california-promise-health-plan-honors-san-diego-providers-community-groups-public-officials-for-advancing-health-equity-innovation
7. https://oag.ca.gov/ecrime/databreach/reports/sb24-559118
8. https://www.10news.com/lifestyle/leadership/san-diegan-helps-improve-quality-of-life-for-native-americans
9. https://www.law.com/radar/card/ramos-v-san-diego-american-health-center-et-al-48361138-r/
10. https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/laughter-medicine-celebrating-native-american-heritage-month
11. https://www.suspectfile.com/ca-san-diego-american-indian-health-center-over-27000-people-are-affected-by-data-theft/
12. https://www.cbs8.com/video/news/local/mornings/the-need-for-improved-healthcare-for-san-diegos-native-american-tribes/509-a06c166b-3558-4a43-b445-2523cfa54fcf
13. https://www.sdaihc.org
14. https://capitalandmain.com/oral-care-for-native-health
15. https://www.mass.gov/doc/assigned-data-breach-number-28075-san-diego-american-indian-health-center/download
16. https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/conrad-prebys-foundation-grants-8-1m-to-18-local-health-clinics/3253186/