5.4 million hit in major healthcare data breach — names, emails, SSNs and more exposed
Hackers continue to go after healthcare-related businesses in their attacks and unfortunately, you could easily get caught up in the aftermath as the result of a data breach. Case in point, millions of Americans are now receiving data breach notifications in the mail following a cyberattack on a medical billing company earlier this year.
As reported by BleepingComputer, back in January and early February, hackers stole the personal and medical information of 5.4 million people during a cyberattack at the American healthcare services company Episource.
While you likely haven't heard of this company, which is owned by UnitedHealth Group's Optum subsidiary, it provides risk adjustment, medical coding, data analytics and other tech to healthcare providers. As a result, Episource often handles large troves of personal and medical data which makes it a valuable target for hackers and other cybercriminals.
Now though, the company has begun notifying affected individuals that their personal and medical data could be in the hands of hackers. Here's everything you need to know about this major medical data breach along with what to do next and steps to help keep you safe from any follow-up attacks.
Personal and medical data exposed
The hackers behind this attack managed to gain access to Episource's systems at the beginning of the year and according to a data breach notice on its site, the breach likely occurred sometime between January 27th and February 6th.
During that time, the hackers were able to view as well as steal copies of some data in the company's computer systems. While the exposed data varies from person to person, it may include one or more of the following:
Full name
Physical address
Email address
Phone number
Insurance plan information
Medicaid ID and information
Medical record details
Date of birth
Social Security number
Fortunately though, no banking or payment card information was exposed as a result of the breach.
In a filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Office for Civil Rights, Episource revealed that approximately 5,418,886 people are affected. The company began sending out data breach notifications to impacted individuals in April but as TechCrunch points out in a new report, additional notices have since been filed in California and Vermont and more people are now being notified in regard to this breach.
How to stay safe after a data breach
With patients' full names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, dates of birth and especially their Social Security numbers in hand, there's a whole lot that hackers can do. From committing fraud and even identity theft to launching targeted phishing attacks using this stolen data, those impacted by this breach are going to need to be extra careful when answering their phones, checking their mailboxes and looking at their email.
Episource is taking steps to soften the blow of this breach by providing affected individuals with free access to the best identity theft protection services. In the company's data breach notification shared (PDF) with the Office of the Vermont Attorney General, it explained that people whose medical and personal data was exposed can sign up for credit monitoring and identity restoration services from IDX which can be done so online or over the phone.
If you're worried that your personal data and medical info could have been exposed, you're going to want to keep a close eye on your mailbox. The reason being is that instead of over email, data breach notification letters are typically sent via traditional mail. This letter will have all the details on how to sign up for IDX's identity theft protection and credit monitoring. However, it will also let you know exactly what types of your data were exposed in this breach.
At the same time, you may also want to freeze your credit since with all this sensitive data, hackers could try to take out loans in your name or commit other types of fraud. You're also going to want to be extra careful when dealing with text messages or emails from unknown senders since other cybercriminals with access to this data could try to launch follow-up attacks, likely in the form of phishing scams. Likewise, monitoring all of your financial accounts is highly recommended as fraud is a lot easier to deal with when you spot it early on.
Now that hackers have made it a point to go after healthcare-related businesses and healthcare providers, hopefully the entire medical industry is working on strengthening their security.
In the meantime though, you want to make sure that all of your devices are protected with the best antivirus software and that you're using strong and complex passwords for all of your accounts. By taking these steps and improving your own cyber hygiene, you'll be better prepared for when the next data breach happens.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
More from Tom's Guide
Google Gemini flaw exploited to turn AI-powered email summaries into the perfect phishing tool
Nearly 2 million people hit by malicious Chrome installations that can track you — what to do now
This dangerous banking trojan now uses scheduled maintenance to hide its malicious activities — don't fall for this
Solve the daily Crossword
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
How to get a testosterone prescription online
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Suffering from sore joints, scrambled thoughts, lagging libido, a receding hairline — or perhaps, all of the above? According to a growing community of endocrinologists, such unwelcome signs may not simply mean that you're starting to 'slow down'. These symptoms could also be due to lowered testosterone levels. A 2023 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology revealed that testosterone levels in American men have plummeted about 1% per year since the 1980s. There are several potential causes that have been explored, including lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors. However, the decline in testosterone can not be attributed to aging alone. Business leaders, like Deep Patel, are working to raise more awareness around what he has described as the 'male version of menopause,' and bring men a safe, accessible solution — Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Find Out About Our Top TRT Pick 7 Ulo Ulo Feeling low on energy? Ulo offers a personalized approach to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), starting with an at-home lab test and virtual consultation with a licensed provider. If TRT is recommended, treatment options — including injections, gels, and oral medications — are delivered straight to your door. Plans start at $159/month. You'll only be charged if a provider determines treatment is appropriate and writes a prescription. Treatment is currently available in select states and includes ongoing support throughout your plan. Learn more about how it works and if it's available in your state at Ulo's website. LEARN MORE 'TRT stands for Testosterone Replacement Therapy. It's a way of bringing your testosterone levels back into a healthy range when your body isn't producing enough. You're not taking extra. You're restoring what your system is missing,' Patel, who co-founded telehealth startup Ulo, explained. Patel says that when TRT is done right, it can give you your life back. A 2019 study on prescription testosterone found that 52% of men claimed testosterone improved their energy, 42% saw improvements in their libido, and 29% reported muscle growth. 7 irantzuarb – While TRT has exhibited a range of benefits, Patel is also open about some of the potential risks. He explained that some of the more common side effects include acne, water retention, or elevated red blood cell counts, which can thicken your blood. Some men experience testicular shrinkage or reduced fertility. Currently, TRT is only FDA-approved for specific conditions, such as a testosterone deficiency (also called hypogonadism) or diminished functional activity of the gonads. In order to start TRT, men will need to get a prescription for testosterone, which requires a blood test. There are a few important steps, but getting an online testosterone prescription is actually much easier than it might appear, thanks to modern telemedicine. Today, those interested in starting TRT can get evaluated, tested, and prescribed TRT right from their laptops, through online TRT clinics like Ulo. How do you get a testosterone prescription online? To piece together the steps needed to get a testosterone prescription online, the Post consulted several medical experts and leaders in the TRT space. Below, find our expert-backed, step-by-step guide. 1. Research reputable online TRT clinics 7 Nattakorn – Tomo Marjanovic is the owner of Aspire Rejuvenation Clinic, a wellness center specializing in personalized hormone therapy and holistic wellness solutions. Before starting your search, it's important to make note of regulations. In the U.S., a provider must be licensed in the patient's state to legally prescribe testosterone. Finding a reputable clinic doesn't stop at that. Marjanovic explained that it's important to look for a TRT clinic that connects patients with licensed medical providers and offers a multi-step process to ensure clients have the information they need before making a decision. 'The clinic should require comprehensive labs, a detailed intake process, and a real conversation with a knowledgeable provider,' explained Marjanovic. 'If the only interaction is an automated signup form or a rushed consult, that's a big red flag.' There are a few other red flags to look out for, according Marjanovic. He recommends skipping any sites that don't require bloodwork and consultations before providing. Clinics should always create individualized plans for treatement and monitor symptoms along the way. A telehealth platform that focuses more on marketing than medicine is also best avoided: 'If it feels more like ordering supplements than receiving medical treatment, it's a problem,' he added. Most reputable telehealth clinics will offer testosterone treatment in the form of injections, tablets, creams, or all of the above. 2. Complete the intake form, considering all symptoms and medical history Before you take a blood test, most reputable online TRT clinics will ask for detailed background information through a medical intake form. Patients should expect several questions about their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits, such as exercise, diet, and drug use. Deep Patel, who is the co-founder of Ulo, emphasized that patients may experience a range of different symptoms. It's important to flag any internal signals, as well as external signs of a hormone deficiency. 'Common symptoms include constant fatigue even when you're sleeping enough, low sex drive, trouble focusing, mood swings or irritability, loss of muscle or strength despite working out, increased belly fat, and even depression or anxiety,' Patel described. At Ulo, the intake form is pretty straightforward. Patients are asked about medical issues, conditions, or previous diagnoses, such as elevated blood pressure or a history of cancer. There are also some questions regarding fertility, which Patel points out is important to consider. TRT significantly suppresses natural testosterone production, which can also reduce sperm production. 'If fertility matters to you, there are medications like HCG or enclomiphene that can be taken alongside TRT to preserve it,' Patel explained. 'Just make sure your provider knows that's a priority from the beginning.' It might be tempting to rush through an intake form, but it's quite important to pay attention to these questions as your responses will dictate the type of treatement that is best for you. 3. Get your bloodwork done, measuring total and free testosterone 7 Pixelbliss – Prior to getting a prescription for testosterone, patients are required to submit bloodwork for analysis. Online clinics have simplified the process by offering at-home test kits that can be delivered straight to your door and mailed back to the lab for review. At-home tests typically require a quick finger prick, but each kit has different instructions, so it's important to read them carefully. If at-home testing is not for you, it's also possible to take a blood test through local lab partnerships, such as Quest or Labcorp. Blood tests can measure different hormone levels, but for a TRT prescription, the primary indicators and total testosterone in your blood. Most testosterone is bound to different proteins, like sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin. However, some testosterone remains unbound, also called 'free testosterone.' Other hormones to consider testing for include estradiol, thyroid, are cortisone. The majority of TRT clinics consider normal testosterone levels to land anywhere between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. However, this is just a baseline, and the experts we spoke to have pointed out that the numbers alone don't tell the whole story. 'Some men experience symptoms at 400 or 500 ng/dL if their free testosterone or androgen sensitivity is off. Diagnosis should never rely on numbers alone,' explained Marjanovic. 4. Meet with a licensed provider to discuss your background, ask questions, and clarify risks 7 Kamitana – Receiving an online testosterone prescription should not happen without a conversation. Speaking to a board-certified Doctor is crucial, according to Michael Aziz, the author of 'The Ageless Revolution' and a regenerative physician specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC. Patients should always confirm their doctor's expertise and education as it relates to testosterone therapy. Perferably, the physician on the call should specialize in endocrinology, urology, and internal medicine with anti-aging training. 'To have an accurate diagnosis, a detailed medical history and exam should be conducted. A Zoom call or telemedicine should be conducted,' Aziz explained. 'The doctor should take into consideration a complete review of symptoms… The clinic's approach to TRT should be comprehensive rather than just giving a script for testosterone treatment.' This consultation provides an opportunity for patients to discuss their goals and ask any questions they might have, but Doctors should also clarify any issues raised through the intake form or bloodwork. It's also a good time to discuss the risks and benefits of different forms of treatement. 'The delivery method of TRT is best chosen by both the doctor and the patient based on the patient's lifestyle and symptoms,' Aziz suggested. 'Gels are used daily, but can be transferred to sexual partners and children. Injections can be self-injected once to twice a week, or administered by the doctor every 10 weeks.' After weighing all the options, the provider will create a personalized treatement plan for the patient. 5. Get your testosterone prescription and begin treatment; follow-up to report progress and side effects 7 OleCNX – At companies like Ulo, the process for starting TRT is straightforward and streamlined. Once a patient receives their prescription, treatement can be sent to their door in as little as a week. However, the one-on-one care doesn't stop when they start taking it. 'We rely on data and feedback from the patient. Your physician will examine your blood work and any changes in symptoms, and will ask how you're feeling in general,' Patel shared. At Ulo, the first lab takes place before your initial consultation with the doctor. A second lab is done 30 days after treatment begins to help prepare for your 45-day follow-up. After that, labs are required every quarter and are paired with a live consultation to make sure your treatment stays safe, effective, and personalized. 'If something seems off or if you're not progressing as expected, the team at Ulo will make adjustments to dosage, frequency, or support meds. Everything can be fine-tuned. The goal is to ensure you feel your best,' Patel explained. As with any treatement plan, it's possible that your tesosterone prescription will need to be altered over time. Be sure to report any progress, concerns, or questions to your provider. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Millennial Woman Seemed To Be Thriving—but She Was Hiding Dangerous Secret
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. At first glance, Amanda, a 38-year-old woman from California, looked like she had it all together and was thriving in life, but, beneath that surface, she was silently struggling with alcoholism for years, until she realized it had taken all of her. In her thirties, Amanda found herself turning to alcohol as a way to cope with stress and depression. At first, she used it as a tool to soothe her pain while keeping up appearances, but then it slowly became something that she couldn't live without. "I knew I had a problem when I needed to drink as soon as I woke up in the morning," Amanda told Newsweek. Eventually, she realized she couldn't go more than an hour without drinking, and that every time she tried to stop, she would only feel sicker, weaker, and even more angry and depressed. It began interfering with all her relationships, including a very important one, the one with her son. Screenshots of the viral video show Amanda describing how to spot a "closeted alcoholic". Screenshots of the viral video show Amanda describing how to spot a "closeted alcoholic". @blackheartsober Now that she is over it, Amanda is sharing her experience with alcoholism and her journey out of it on her TikTok profile, where she spreads awareness about the catastrophic consequences that alcohol can have on one's life. In a viral clip shared in June, under the username @blackheartsober, she reveals how to spot what she calls a "closeted alcoholic," or a high-functioning alcoholic. This is somebody you may not know is struggling with this issue because they don't otherwise show signs of it. "I would like to add that it is not my place or anyone else's to call anyone an alcoholic," Amanda said. "The intention of my video was to expand on my own behaviors in my active alcoholism while lending perspective to those who have loved ones exhibiting similar behaviors. "Not so they can judge them or tell them to stop, but so they can see them as human beings who are in a very daunting battle within their own souls. The disease of alcoholism has one goal, and it is to destroy you and everyone in your life," she added. Amanda says in the viral video, which has been viewed over 579,000 times and has so far received more than 7,400 likes, that there are three main signs to look out for in a closeted alcoholic that will immediately give it away. One is that they will lie, and their stories will either make no sense, or too much sense, with too many details to them. Sign number two: they are going to disappear for a while and won't say why. And, lastly, they are always preoccupied with something else. "The lights are on, but nobody's home," Amanda said. A 2023 survey by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that over 224.3 million Americans over the age of 12 reported drinking alcohol at some point in their lifetime. The number was higher for females than it was for males, especially during their teenage years, from 12 to 17, which is also illegal. Over 134.7 million people reported binge-drinking the month prior to the survey, and about 1 million of them were again underage. The turning point for Amanda came after a serious car accident in which she discovered she was pregnant with her daughter. She had to stop drinking on the spot. Not only that, because she had fractured her pelvis, she had to heal without being able to drink or take any medication. "It was the hardest thing I've ever done," Amanda said of her sober journey, which started in September 2023, about three years into her alcoholism disorder. "You might think that getting sober and getting through life without alcohol is impossible, but it's not. If I can do it, anyone can do it. Recovery and sobriety are possible for all of us," she added. Do you have any videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@ with some extra details and they could appear on our website.
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Planned Parenthood seeks to keep Medicaid funds flowing during legal fight
BOSTON (AP) — Attorneys for Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide argued in federal court Friday that cutting off Medicaid funding to its abortion providers would hurt vulnerable patients who already have limited health care options. Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates in Massachusetts and Utah are fighting to block part of President Donald Trump's tax bill they say is designed to target their clinics. The provision would end Medicaid payments to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood that primarily offer family planning services — things like contraception, abortion and pregnancy tests — and received more than $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023. Although Planned Parenthood is not specifically named in the statute, which went into effect July 4, the organization's leaders say it was meant to affect their nearly 600 centers in 48 states. However, a major medical provider in Maine and likely others have also been hit. 'It's the affiliation provision that makes this rotten to the core,' said Planned Parenthood attorney Alan Schoenfeld during Friday's hearing in Boston. The plaintiffs have filed their federal lawsuit against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So far, the provision has been on hold after U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston granted a temporary restraining order blocking the cuts for two weeks. That order expires July 21, when Talwani has said she will decide whether to grant a motion for a preliminary injunction against the funding cuts while the lawsuit plays out. On Friday, Talwani was particularly focused on getting a definition of what constituted an affiliation and what a Planned Parenthood health center would have to do to qualify for Medicaid funding, quizzing the federal government's attorneys if stopping abortions would be enough or if they would have to completely severe all ties. Emily Hall, an attorney representing HHS, said Friday that the federal government needs more information about Planned Parenthood's structure and time to finalize interpretations of the law. 'It depends on the nature of the corporate relationship, which I don't have,' Hall said. Fears of pending cuts to Planned Parenthood further escalated this week after a Planned Parenthood office in Ohio announced Tuesday that it was closing two health clinics — in Hamilton and Springfield, north of Cincinnati — due to state and federal cuts. 'Make no mistake: This is not a decision made by Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio Region,' President and CEO Nan Whaley, a one-time Democratic gubernatorial nominee, told reporters. 'We took every possible step to keep these centers open, but the devastating impact of state and federal political attacks has forced us into this very difficult position.' The centers provide preventive health care, including testing for sexually transmitted diseases, birth control and wellness exams. Medicaid is a government health care program that serves millions of low-income and disabled Americans. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood's patients rely on Medicaid.
