Data Breach Impacts Catholic Health System

Catholic Health has received notification of a cybersecurity breach by a third-party software vendor according to a story aired News 4 Buffalo (WIVB-TV)

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The breach which the company was notified of in mid-July impacted the health system and other non-profit organizations in the Western New York area and throughout the country.

The area of the breach, according to officials was part of a potential donor database, including names, medical record numbers, and dates of service for patients who received care in the Catholic Health System from 2016 through this past May.

Catholic Health officials report no medical information, social security numbers, addresses, bank account numbers, or credit card information was included in the breach.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are sharing this information with our patients and community to increase awareness of this incident for the Western New York region,” Catholic Health wrote.

 

Kimberly Whistler, Catholic Health Corporate Compliance & Privacy Officer says, “all patients whose names and information were part of this incident will be receiving a letter from Catholic Health in the next few weeks. While we do not believe there is a need for anyone to take action, we recommend all patients remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or suspected identity theft to the proper authorities.”

Cybercriminals have been especially active during the pandemic with numerous attempts made to attack groups and organizations in hopes that their intrusions might be overlooked.