Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC, a North Carolina healthcare provider, confirmed a hacking incident that compromised email accounts containing patient information. The breach affected 535 individuals according to a federal filing with HHS. Affected patients should watch for breach notification letters, monitor credit reports, and remain alert for phishing emails referencing their health information.
| Company | Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC |
|---|---|
| Industry | Healthcare |
| Data Types Exposed | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| People Affected | 535 individuals |
| Attack Method | Hacking/IT Incident |
| Regulators Notified | HHS Office for Civil Rights |
Were you affected by this breach?
You may be owed compensation.
Data breach victims can recover money for identity-theft losses, out-of-pocket costs, wasted time, and the ongoing risk of fraud — usually with no upfront cost, and no fee unless you win.
Check if you qualify — free reviewWhat Happened in the Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC Data Breach?
Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC, a healthcare provider based in North Carolina, recently disclosed a data breach tied to a hacking incident. The organization filed formal notification with federal regulators in September 2026. This filing confirmed that an unauthorized party gained access to email accounts holding sensitive patient information.
According to the filing, the breach involved a hacking or IT incident that compromised an email environment. The exact discovery date has not been publicly disclosed. However, the notification itself was submitted in September 2026, which means the organization had identified and assessed the intrusion by that point.
As a result of the incident, Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC likely conducted an internal investigation to determine the scope of unauthorized access. Healthcare providers facing this type of breach typically bring in forensic specialists to analyze which accounts were compromised. In addition, they review which patient records may have been viewed or extracted during the intrusion.
Because email systems often store years of patient communications, attachments, and billing details, this type of hack can expose a wide range of personal data. The investigation process helps determine exactly what information was accessible to the intruder during the breach window.
Who was affected?
The breach affected patients whose information was stored in the compromised email accounts. Based on the federal filing, 535 individuals were impacted by this incident. This figure represents the confirmed number of people whose data was involved.
Because Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC operates as a healthcare provider, those affected are most likely patients who received care or services from the organization. In addition, the breach could involve family members or guardians listed in patient records. The filing does not indicate whether minors were among those affected, so individuals should not assume children are excluded.
The geographic scope of the breach centers on North Carolina, where the organization is based. However, patients from outside the state may also be affected if they received care or communicated with the provider remotely. Anyone who has interacted with this organization through email should consider themselves potentially at risk until notified otherwise.
What Information Was Potentially Exposed?
The breach notification identifies email as the location of the compromised information. Because email accounts often contain a mix of personal and clinical details, the exposure could include several categories of sensitive data. The filing does not provide an exhaustive list, but healthcare email breaches commonly involve the following types of information.
- Patient names
- Contact information such as addresses or phone numbers
- Protected health information, including treatment or diagnosis details
- Health insurance information
- Appointment or scheduling records
- Billing or account details discussed over email
This type of exposure creates meaningful risk for affected patients. Identity thieves can use names, contact details, and health information to commit medical identity theft. For example, a criminal could use stolen health insurance details to obtain medical services or prescriptions under someone else’s identity.
In addition, exposed health information can be used for targeted phishing scams. Scammers often reference real medical details to make fraudulent emails or calls seem legitimate. Because of this, affected individuals may face an increased risk of follow-up scams designed to extract even more personal or financial information.
What is the company doing?
Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC responded to the breach by filing a formal notification with the HHS Office for Civil Rights. This step is required under federal law whenever protected health information is compromised. The filing documents the breach type, the number of affected individuals, and the location of the exposed data.
By submitting this notification, the organization also triggered an official review process. The company filed formal notification with the HHS Office for Civil Rights, which oversees compliance with patient privacy protections under HIPAA. This filing is a matter of public record and allows regulators to monitor the organization’s response.
Beyond the regulatory filing, the specific remediation steps taken by Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC have not been publicly disclosed. Typical responses in similar cases include securing compromised email accounts, resetting credentials, and notifying affected patients directly. Until further details emerge, affected individuals should rely on official notices from the organization for specifics about their own exposure.
What Should Affected Individuals Do?
Monitor Your Credit Reports Closely
Affected individuals should request a free copy of their credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus. Reviewing these reports regularly helps catch unauthorized accounts or inquiries early. This is especially important because health-related breaches can sometimes lead to identity theft that affects financial accounts.
In addition, consider setting up ongoing credit monitoring through a free or low-cost service. This allows you to receive alerts whenever new activity appears on your credit file. Because fraud can surface months after a breach, continued vigilance over the coming year is a smart precaution.
Watch for Phishing Attempts
Because email was the compromised system in this breach, affected individuals should be especially cautious about suspicious messages. Scammers often follow up on breaches with phishing emails designed to look like they come from a trusted healthcare provider. Never click links or share personal details in response to unexpected messages.
Instead, verify any communication by contacting Kostelic and Associates 3PLLC directly using a phone number or email address you already know to be legitimate. This simple step can prevent you from unknowingly handing over additional personal information to a scammer. As a result, you reduce your risk of further exposure.
Protect Against Medical Identity Theft
Because protected health information may have been exposed, patients should review their insurance statements and medical records carefully. Look for any services, prescriptions, or claims you do not recognize. If you spot anything unusual, report it to your insurance provider immediately.
You can also request an accounting of disclosures from your healthcare provider to see who has accessed your records. This step helps you confirm whether your information was used improperly. Catching medical identity theft early can prevent complications with your health records and insurance coverage down the line.
Consider a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
If you are concerned about identity theft following this breach, placing a fraud alert on your credit file is a strong protective measure. A fraud alert requires lenders to verify your identity before approving new credit in your name. This added step can stop fraudsters from opening accounts using your information.
For even stronger protection, consider a credit freeze, which restricts access to your credit file entirely. While this requires a temporary lift whenever you apply for credit yourself, it offers one of the most effective barriers against identity theft. Given the sensitive nature of health data exposed here, this extra precaution may be worthwhile.
Consult a Data Breach Attorney
If you received a notification letter about this breach, you may want to speak with an attorney who focuses on data breach cases. An attorney can help you understand whether you qualify for compensation related to the exposure of your information. Many offer free consultations to evaluate your situation.
Because healthcare breaches often involve sensitive and permanent personal data, legal options may be available even without proof of direct financial loss. Consulting a professional early ensures you understand any deadlines that could affect your ability to pursue a claim. This is especially important given how quickly statutes of limitations can apply in these cases.
Get a Free Case Review
Tell us how this breach affected you. A data breach attorney will review your situation at no cost and with no obligation — it takes about two minutes.
More Information
View the public data breach notification listing from HHS Office for Civil Rights