In 2024, cybersecurity threats have intensified, with major breaches affecting millions and revealing alarming vulnerabilities across sectors. From healthcare providers to large consumer platforms, data security is constantly under attack. While the headlines focus on large corporations, senior care providers face unique risks and consequences that could be just as severe.
Below, we recap the five most significant breaches of 2024 so far—and share actionable insights on how senior care providers can protect their organizations and the sensitive data they’re entrusted with.
1. National Public Data Breach A hacking group recently exposed 2.7 billion personal records from a background-checking and data-brokering site, affecting sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and more. Portions of this data have already surfaced on the dark web, and while experts are working to verify its accuracy, it’s clear the impact could be vast. This breach underscores the importance of monitoring online identities and considering proactive measures, like freezing credit and actively securing sensitive records.
What This Means for Senior Care Providers: Senior care facilities handle vast amounts of personal data, making them an attractive target. Ensuring up-to-date data encryption, enforcing strict data-handling protocols for staff, and performing periodic security checks are essential steps in safeguarding resident and staff information.
2. Ticketmaster Breach Ticketmaster suffered a breach that exposed personal and financial data for over 560 million customers, with hackers accessing names, emails, phone numbers, and payment information. Following the breach, numerous victims reported fraudulent transactions, leading to an increase in customer concerns about data security.
What This Means for Senior Care Providers: Although your facility may not serve millions, securing residents’ and staff’s financial information is just as critical. Consider layered security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and advanced payment security tools, to protect sensitive financial data against unauthorized access.
3. Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack In February, Change Healthcare faced a ransomware attack compromising sensitive information of more than 145 million people, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical records. As one of the largest healthcare breaches on record, this incident sent shockwaves through the industry and forced many healthcare providers to reassess their cybersecurity policies.
What This Means for Senior Care Providers: Healthcare data is often targeted due to its sensitive nature. Senior care providers can reduce their exposure by adopting comprehensive cybersecurity measures, such as implementing data encryption for EHRs, conducting regular staff training on cybersecurity best practices, and utilizing advanced access controls to prevent unauthorized data exposure.
4. AT&T Data Breach In March, AT&T suffered a breach exposing sensitive information of around 73 million customers, including Social Security numbers and account details. For healthcare providers, a similar breach could mean exposing residents’ and patients’ personal information, opening the door to costly penalties and potential lawsuits.
What This Means for Senior Care Providers: Care providers that handle electronic communication for residents, staff, and operations must secure these channels. Partnering with a technology expert who can provide secure communications solutions and conduct periodic assessments is essential for maintaining HIPAA compliance and protecting against breaches.
5. Dell Security Breach Dell experienced a breach this May, exposing 49 million customer records, including names, emails, and payment details. This breach highlighted weaknesses in vendor security, emphasizing the need for stronger vendor management practices across industries.
What This Means for Senior Care Providers: Many senior care organizations rely on third-party vendors for software, technology, and healthcare services. To protect resident data, carefully evaluate vendor security protocols and insist on compliance with industry standards. If possible, negotiate data protection clauses in vendor agreements to ensure the safety of any data they handle on your behalf.
What Can Senior Care Providers Do to Protect Their Residents and Staff? Each of these breaches serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures. In an industry where trust is paramount, one breach could not only damage your facility’s reputation but also risk the safety and well-being of those you serve.
Identify the Gaps with a Third-Party Security Risk Assessment Our team will arrange an evaluation of your systems to identify vulnerabilities, recommend solutions to close security gaps, and strengthen your defenses against the latest threats. We’ll provide clear results to help you determine when and how to act. Need our help? We have (in our humble opinion) the best professional services team to get your projects operational.
Don’t wait until your data has been compromised. Schedule your Security Risk Assessment today! Contact us here or call us at 866.886.2147 to protect your organization and the people within it.
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