What You Need to Know
Did You Receive A Egyptian Health Dept. Notice Letter?
The Egyptian Health Department experienced a data breach in December 2023 wherein unauthorized access to sensitive consumer information, including Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, and financial details, was gained, prompting notification letters to affected individuals in February 2024.
- Company Name: Egyptian Health Department
- Date Filed: February 20, 2024
- Number of People Affected: Unknown
- Data Breached: Names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, government-issued ID numbers, financial account information, and insurance information
Who’s Affected & What Data Was Breached
Scale of the Data Breach
The specific number of individuals affected by the Egyptian Health Department data breach has not been disclosed. The notice of data breach filed indicates that letters have been sent to all individuals whose information was compromised.
Nature of Compromised Data
The unauthorized access led to a compromise of sensitive consumer information. This data includes names, Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers, government-issued ID numbers, financial account information, and insurance details. The extent of the data breached varies by individual.
Communication to Victims
On February 20, 2024, the Egyptian Health Department dispatched data breach notification letters to the victims. These letters are intended to detail the specific types of personal information about them that were accessed during the breach.
Summary of the Egyptian Health Department Data Breach
Initial Discovery of the Cyberattack
On December 21, 2023, the Egyptian Health Department (EHD) detected a cyberattack on its systems. The department responded by securing its systems against the attack.
Investigation and Findings
Following the security measures to protect its systems, EHD collaborated with external cybersecurity professionals to conduct a thorough forensic investigation. This inquiry was to understand the full extent of the breach.
Exposure of Sensitive Information
The investigation by EHD revealed that an unauthorized individual gained access to files on the network. These files contained sensitive and personal information of patients and employees.
Types of Information Compromised
The compromised files included a range of sensitive data such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, government-issued ID numbers, financial account information, and insurance details. The specific information affected varied between individuals.
Notification to Affected Parties
On February 20, 2024, EHD began distributing notification letters to individuals whose information had been accessed during the security incident. These letters aimed to inform the victims about the breach and the specifics of the information that had been compromised for each person.
EHD’s Public Notice
The Egyptian Health Department released a public notice detailing the breach, alongside the notification letters, to shed light on the incident for the wider community. The notice presumably provided information regarding the nature of the breach and the department‘s response efforts.
Continuous Updates
EHD indicated that new information regarding the data breach might emerge and would be announced as the situation develops. As of the report, further details on the full impact of the breach were still forthcoming.
Background on the Egyptian Health Department
EHD, established in 1952 and based in Eldorado, Illinois, serves four counties with a range of health-related services. The department employs over 163 staff members and, in 2019, delivered more than 53,000 services to both children and adults, highlighting the potential scale of the data breach impact.
Advice for Those Affected
The article advises individuals who received a breach notification from EHD to understand the risks and consider their legal options, including consulting with a data breach lawyer to protect themselves from fraud or identity theft.
Overview of the Egyptian Health Department
Who Are the Customers?
The Egyptian Health Department serves as a critical public health provider to residents in multiple counties in Illinois. People living in Saline County, Gallatin County, White County, and Wayne County look to the EHD for a broad range of health services that cater to both children and adults.
Services for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Mental health and substance abuse prevention and recovery are among the key services offered by the Egyptian Health Department. Customers use these services to address personal challenges and obtain support for recovery and overall mental wellbeing. The department‘s expertise in these areas is a vital resource for the community it serves.
Environmental Health and Education
EHD is actively involved in promoting and safeguarding environmental health. This includes monitoring and addressing environmental risks that can affect the community’s health. Furthermore, educational services provided by EHD play a significant role in informing residents about health-related issues and prevention strategies.
Health Education Outreach
The department also engages in health education initiatives designed to improve the overall health literacy of the communities they serve. These initiatives ensure that the public is aware of health risks, prevention methods, and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Economic and Employment Contributions
With 163 employees, the Egyptian Health Department is a source of employment and economic activity in the region it serves. The department generates an estimated $5.7 million in annual revenue, reflecting its operational size and the extent of services it provides.
Tailored Healthcare Services
EHD tailors its healthcare services to meet the varied needs of its diverse customer base. From routine health and wellness services to more specialized care, it strives to address the healthcare needs of individuals and families in its service area.
Community Impact and Reach
In the year 2019 alone, the Egyptian Health Department provided over 53,000 services to children and adults. This figure illustrates the wide-reaching impact that EHD has on its community, highlighting the crucial role it plays in the local healthcare system.
Importance of Data Security for EHD Clients
The recent data breach indicates that information security is of utmost importance to clients relying on EHD’s services. The compromise of sensitive personal data underscores the need for vigorous data protection measures to safeguard consumer information effectively.