Identity theft is a multi-billion dollar problem. Although many companies have responded to this threat appropriately, some continue to risk theft of the sensitive personal and medical information entrusted to them by consumers and patients. Unfortunately, it appears that Boys Town National Research Hospital, an Omaha, Nebraska-based medical practice, failed to protect the sensitive patient information of an estimated 105,309 patients.
According to the “Notice of Data Security Incident” published on its website, published on July 20, 2018, the Boys Town National Research Hospital first became aware of an unusual activity relating to an employee email account on May 23, 2018. Boys Town National Research Hospital did not confirm that sensitive personal information was exposed as a result of the breach until July 3, 2018.
The exposed data includes details such as patient names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, license and passport information, banking and financial account numbers, and diagnosis and treatment information.
Cybercriminals use personal information with the primary incentive of using that private data to commit identity theft and financial fraud. Identity theft wreaks havoc on consumers’ finances, credit history, and reputation and can take time, money, and patience to resolve. Identity thieves use stolen personal information for a variety of crimes, including credit card fraud, phone or utilities fraud, banking or finance fraud, government fraud, and medical identity theft. Moreover, a person whose personal information has been compromised may not see the full extent of identity theft or fraud for years.
Disclosure of personal information and medical information is unlawful, and the attorneys at Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson & Garber, LLP have successfully brought lawsuits on behalf of victims of such disclosures. If you visited Boys Town National Research Hospital, then your information may have been stolen. Please contact FBFG to explore your rights.