Data Breach Alert: Texas Centers for Infectious Disease Associates (TCIDA)
Texas Centers for Infectious Disease Associates (TCIDA) has announced a significant data security incident that may have exposed the personal and protected health information of its current and former patients. The breach, which was discovered on July 19, 2024, stemmed from unusual activity in TCIDA’s network related to an incident experienced by their former third-party billing vendor.
What Happened?
Upon detecting the unauthorized activity, TCIDA immediately took steps to secure its systems and engaged cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough investigation. The investigation confirmed that an unauthorized individual likely accessed or acquired sensitive files and data. TCIDA initiated a comprehensive review of affected systems to identify the scope of the incident and has begun notifying all potentially impacted individuals.
What Information was taken?
The exposed data may include a range of highly sensitive information for current and former patients, such as:
Names
Social Security Numbers
Dates of Birth
Driver’s License Numbers
Medical Record Numbers
Medicare/Medicaid Numbers
Health Insurance Numbers
Medical or Treatment Information
What is the TCIDA doing to enhance security?
TCIDA has implemented enhanced security measures to minimize the risk of future incidents. They have also established a dedicated, toll-free call center to address patient concerns and answer questions. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Central Time and can be reached at (855) 202-9059.
What can you do?
In the wake of this healthcare data breach, it is crucial for affected individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard their information against potential identity theft and fraud.
Monitor Account Statements and Credit Reports: Regularly review your financial account statements and credit reports for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Immediately report any discrepancies to your financial institution and relevant law enforcement authorities, including your state attorney general and/or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Obtain Free Credit Reports: You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Access your reports at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
Equifax: P.O. Box 105851, Atlanta, GA 30348, 1-800-525-6285, www.equifax.com
Experian: P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013, 1-888-397-3742, www.experian.com
TransUnion: P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016, 1-800-916-8800, www.transunion.com
Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a free fraud alert on your credit file. This alert, valid for at least one year, signals to creditors that they should contact you before opening any new accounts in your name. Contact any of the three credit reporting agencies to place an alert.
Implement a Security Freeze: For enhanced protection, you can place a security freeze on your credit file at no cost. This prevents new credit from being opened without a unique PIN. While it may delay obtaining new credit, a security freeze significantly hinders unauthorized access to your credit report. You must contact each credit reporting agency individually to initiate a security freeze. Be prepared to provide identifying information such as your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, addresses, and a copy of your state-issued ID.
Utilize Additional Free Resources: The consumer reporting agencies, the FTC, and your state Attorney General offer valuable information on fraud alerts, security freezes, and identity theft protection. Report suspected identity theft to local law enforcement, the FTC, or your state Attorney General.
Understand Your FCRA Rights: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants you specific rights concerning your credit file, including the right to know what’s in your file, dispute inaccurate information, and have incorrect or unverifiable information corrected or deleted. Learn more about your FCRA rights at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/pdf-0096-fair-credit-reporting-act.pdf.
Legal Help?
Have you recieved the data breach letter from TCIDA?
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