The DPHHS initially announced the data breach earlier this month, but just recently revealed the gravity of the situation after indicating they are sending out notifications to the 1.3 million potentially affected patients.
The state is notifying current and former Montana residents, including the estates of some deceased individuals, according to the report.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying those whose personal information could have been on the server,” said Richard Opper, DPHHS director, in the news release. “Again, we have no reports, nor do we have any evidence that anyone’s information was used in any way, or even accessed.”
Potentially compromised information includes demographic information, Social Security numbers, DPHHS services received, health assessments and diagnostic information, prescriptions and health insurance information, according to the report.
Additionally, DPHHS contractors and employees are also being notified as the hacked server may contain their demographic and bank account information.
“The state has taken several steps to further strengthen security, including safely restoring all systems affected, adding additional security software to better protect sensitive information on existing servers and continually reviewing its security practices to ensure all appropriate measures are being taken to protect citizen information,” according to the news release.
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