In an age where our most intimate information is stored digitally, data breaches have sadly become common. The recent incident at Murfreesboro Medical Center (MMC) has once again brought this issue to the forefront, leaving many patients anxious about the safety of their private health records.
New York personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers, LLP handling personal injury and data breach cases, our data breach attorneys can provide insights into this unfortunate event and help its victims.
What Happened?
Murfreesboro Medical Clinic & SurgiCenter was the victim of a sophisticated criminal cyberattack on April 22, 2023. The cyberattack occurred due to a cyber extortion operation that intended to steal information for ransom.
MMC had to shut down its network and all operations for several days to limit the spread of the attack and rebuild its network with enhanced security features.
MMC confirmed that the protected health information of approximately 559,000 people was potentially at risk in the incident. The information included names, addresses, driver’s licenses, Social Security numbers, medical records, and insurance information.
MMC notified all affected people and offered free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services.
Why Is This Data Breach Alarming?
Healthcare institutions like MMC maintain some of the most personal and sensitive data about people. Exposure of such information can have far-reaching implications:
Medical Identity Theft
When cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to your health records, they can impersonate you. They might seek medical services, get prescription drugs, or even file claims with your health insurance provider.
The consequences? Apart from the obvious financial costs, you might find erroneous entries in your health histories, leading to potential future misdiagnoses or inappropriate medical treatments.
Financial Implications
Beyond just the realm of health, your Social Security number is a golden ticket for criminals. Once they have this information, they can take on your identity in the financial world.
Opening bank accounts, applying for loans or credit cards, and making big purchases can happen in your name without your knowledge.
By the time you realize something is wrong, your credit score might already tank, and you might be drowning in debt or dealing with collections agencies for something you didn’t do.
Blackmail & Extortion
The very nature of health records is deeply personal. Details about past surgeries, medications, mental health treatments, or diagnoses are typically private matters. In the wrong hands, such information becomes a tool for coercion.
Malicious actors might threaten to disclose sensitive health information to your employer, family, or the public unless you pay them. The psychological and emotional strain from such threats can be devastating, adding to the tangible harms of financial loss and identity theft.
What Should Affected People Do?
- Monitor Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unusual or unauthorized activities. You can request a free annual report from the three major credit bureaus.
- Consider a Credit Freeze: This prevents new credit accounts from being opened in your name without verification.
- Change Passwords: For any online accounts, especially those related to healthcare and banking, change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Stay Vigilant: Be wary of suspicious emails, messages, or phone calls asking for personal information or claiming to be MMC representatives.
- Legal Recourse: If you believe you suffered harm due to the breach, seek legal counsel. At Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, we are well-equipped to advise on the best steps forward.
Seek Immediate Assistance From Our Data Breach Attorneys
The Murfreesboro Medical Center data breach serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of our digital age. If you or a loved one has been affected by this breach or any other, we can protect your rights.
Contact Jacoby & Meyers, LLP, to receive the justice and compensation you deserve.