Cybersecurity

During an attempt to divert funds owed to Telecare Corp. from payors into fraudulent bank accounts, cybercriminals may have exposed patient information, according to a notice posted on the company's website Oct. 4.

San Antonio-based South Texas Dermatopathology has notified 15,982 patients that their information may have been exposed in a data breach at a third-party collections company.

Within September alone, 30 healthcare organizations, including hospitals, private practices and insurers, reported data breaches to HHS' Office for Civil Rights. As of Oct. 4, seven healthcare providers had reported data breaches for the month. 

A regional Veterans Affairs Department in Milwaukee mishandled patients personal data, leaving medical records, internal communications and other information available for unauthorized personnel to access, according to Nextgov.

Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Health has mailed patients letters indicating that their financial information may have been stolen, according to local ABC affiliate WLOS.

Milwaukie, Ore.-based Monterey Health Center announced Oct. 11 that it is notifying patients their protected health information may have been exposed because of a ransomware attack.

Healthcare organizations are becoming larger targets for cybercriminals because they don't always have the resources to protect themselves from various cyberattacks.

Tampa-based Women's Care Florida alerted all current and former patients — 528,188 people — that their medical or personal information may have been exposed due to an April 29 cybersecurity incident.

Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based DCH Health System restored services Oct. 10 and lifted its diversion protocol for its three hospitals after being hit by a ransomware attack earlier in the month.

Greenville, Texas-based Hunt Regional Healthcare has notified additional patients of a cyberattack earlier this year that may have exposed patient information, according to the Herald Banner.