3.7M Patients’ Information Potentially Exposed In Banner Health Breach
The health system, which has locations in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming, says it has hired a computer forensics firm, contacted law enforcement officials and is taking steps to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile a urology group in Ohio is scrambling to assess the damage from a possible attack.
Modern Healthcare:
Banner Health Cyberattack Impacts 3.7 Million People
Banner Health is contacting 3.7 million individuals whose personal information may have been accessed in a cyberattack that began on systems that process credit card payments for food and beverage purchases at Banner locations. The breach then expanded to include patient and health plan information. (Conn, 8/3)
The Columbus Dispatch:
Gahanna-Based Urology Practice Still Investigating Report Of Data Breach
The Central Ohio Urology Group is still working to determine whether its patients' data has been compromised. Callers seeking information Wednesday on the possible breach by a group that aligns itself with a right-wing Ukrainian political group were referred to a recorded message. (Malone, 8/3)
In other health technology news, a new site lets patients rate their hospitals and privacy is murky when it comes to menstruation-tracking apps —
Houston Chronicle:
'Yelp' For Hospitals: Website Lets Consumers Find Best Hopsitals
Medicare.gov's "Hospital Compare" system has it all. Last week, the website published figures to help consumers find the best health service centers. Using up to 64 quality measures, such as data on staff communications and patient experience, the government website lets users compare hospitals in their local area as well as all over the country. (Ramirez, 8/3)
The Washington Post:
Watch Out, Ladies: Your Period-Tracking App Could Be Leaking Personal Data
For years, millions of women have used mobile apps to help track their menstrual cycles and get a better handle on their fertility. But now, it turns out, some of those apps may have been leaking this intimate information. Glow, one of the most popular apps in this market, had a major flaw that could let anyone who knew a user’s email address access that person's data, according to a recent investigation by Consumer Reports. That’s a big deal because Glow prompts users to reveal a lot, including the last time they had sex (and in what position), how many drinks they’ve had each day and, of course, when Aunt Flo is in town. (Peterson, 8/3)