Warren General Hospital

Warren General Hospital (WGH) in Warren, Pennsylvania, experienced a significant data breach that was first detected on September 24, 2023, when suspicious activity was identified on its network. The hospital took immediate steps to secure its systems and launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts and notified law enforcement[2][4][6].

The investigation revealed that an unauthorized actor had accessed certain computer systems within the WGH network between September 15 and September 23, 2023. The types of information that may have been compromised include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, financial account information, payment card information, health insurance claims information, and medical information such as diagnoses, medications, lab results, and other treatment information[1][2][3][4].

The breach affected approximately 169,000 current and former patients and employees. WGH began notifying individuals whose information may have been impacted on November 9, 2023[1][3][4]. The hospital has reviewed its existing policies and procedures, enhanced its administrative and technical controls, and provided additional security training to its workforce to reduce the likelihood of a similar event in the future[1][2].

Patients have been advised to remain vigilant against identity theft by reviewing account statements, credit reports, and explanations of benefits for unusual activity. WGH has also provided information on steps that potentially impacted individuals can take to protect their information[1][2][3].

The incident was reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is part of a larger trend in which healthcare data breaches have become increasingly costly, with the health industry reporting the most expensive data breaches for 13 consecutive years[2].

Law firms specializing in data breach cases, such as Turke & Strauss LLP and The Lyon Firm, are investigating the breach and offering to discuss potential legal remedies with affected individuals[3][7].

Citations:

1. https://www.hipaajournal.com/warren-general-hospital-data-breach-affects-169000-patients/
2. https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/pennsylvania-hospital-hit-data-breach-affecting-169k
3. https://www.turkestrauss.com/2023/11/20/warren-general-hospital-data-breach-investigation/
4. https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/warren-general-hospital-notifies-168-4860750/
5. https://www.yourerie.com/digital-first/digital-exclusive/warren-general-hospital-suffered-data-breach-potentially-affecting-employees-patients/
6. https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/50051133/warren-general-hospital-alert-patients-of-cybersecurity-breach
7. https://www.thelyonfirm.com/blog/warren-general-hospital-data-breach-investigation/
8. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cybersecurity/pennsylvania-hospital-data-breach-affects-169-000.html
9. https://www.timesobserver.com/news/local-news/2023/09/computer-issue-at-wgh-had-no-impact-on-care/
10. https://www.myinjuryattorney.com/data-breach-investigation-warren-general-hospital/