Concord Orthopaedic, a leading orthopaedic practice in New Hampshire, has recently notified individuals of a security incident that may have compromised their personal information. The practice discovered the incident on September 16, 2021, and has been working diligently to investigate and remediate the situation.
The security incident involved unauthorized access to a limited number of email accounts belonging to Concord Orthopaedic staff members. Upon discovering the breach, the practice immediately took steps to secure the affected accounts and launched an investigation to determine the extent of the breach and identify any potentially compromised information.
Concord Orthopaedic conducted a thorough forensic investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to assess the scope of the incident. The investigation determined that the unauthorized access to the email accounts occurred between August 10, 2021, and September 7, 2021. The compromised accounts contained sensitive information, including patients’ names, dates of birth, medical record numbers, and limited treatment and/or clinical information.
While there is no evidence to suggest that personal financial information was compromised as a result of the incident, Concord Orthopaedic is taking proactive steps to notify individuals who may have been affected by the breach. The practice has begun sending notification letters to affected individuals and is offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity theft protection services as a precautionary measure.
Concord Orthopaedic is also implementing additional security measures to strengthen its cybersecurity posture and prevent future incidents. These measures include enhancing email security protocols, providing additional training to staff on recognizing and reporting potential security threats, and conducting regular security audits and assessments.
In a statement regarding the incident, Concord Orthopaedic emphasized its commitment to protecting the privacy and security of patients’ information. The practice encourages individuals who receive a notification letter to review their accounts and statements for any suspicious activity and report any concerns to the practice and law enforcement authorities.
The security incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information. Healthcare organizations, in particular, are prime targets for cyberattacks due to the wealth of valuable personal and medical information they store. It is essential for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing cybersecurity threats to protect patient data and maintain the trust of those they serve.
Concord Orthopaedic has taken swift and decisive action in response to the security incident, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability. By notifying individuals potentially affected by the breach and offering support services, the practice is taking proactive steps to mitigate any potential harm resulting from the incident and reassure patients of its dedication to safeguarding their information.
As the investigation into the security incident continues, Concord Orthopaedic remains focused on bolstering its cybersecurity defenses and ensuring that patient information remains safe and secure. The practice is working diligently to address any vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the breach and is committed to implementing best practices to protect against future security threats.