What You Need to Know
Over 147,000 patients were affected by a data breach at Harrisburg Medical Center, part of Southern Illinois Healthcare, where unauthorized access between December 19 and December 23, 2022, resulted in the exposure of sensitive information including names, Social Security numbers, medical details, and financial data.
Did You Receive A Harrisburg Medical Center Notice Letter?
- Company Name: Southern Illinois Healthcare – Harrisburg Medical Center
- Date Filed: December 12, 2023
- Number of People Affected: Over 147k Patients
- Data Breached: Names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, prescription information, insurance information, driver s license/state ID numbers, digital/electronic signatures, and financial account numbers.
Who’s Affected & What Data Was Breached
Affected Customers
Over 147,000 patients were affected by the data breach at Harrisburg Medical Center.
Compromised Data
The unauthorized access resulted in the exposure of sensitive information including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, prescription information, insurance information, driver s license/state ID numbers, digital/electronic signatures, and financial account numbers. Each affected individual’s breached information may vary.
Summary of the Harrisburg Medical Center Data Breach
Initial Discovery and Response
On December 23, 2022, Southern Illinois Healthcare’s Harrisburg Medical Center (SIH HMC) detected unusual activity within its computer network. The institution immediately took action, collaborating with law enforcement and hiring data security experts to conduct an in-depth analysis of the situation. This swift reaction emphasized the center’s commitment to security and privacy.
Extent of Data Compromise
The subsequent investigation revealed that an unauthorized party gained access to SIH HMC’s systems between December 19, 2022, and December 23, 2022. During this period, the perpetrator was able to access and acquire certain documents containing confidential patient information. This breach put patient data at risk of being misused.
Information Exposed
A thorough review of the compromised files was undertaken to pinpoint the exact details leaked and to identify the consumers affected. Completed on August 24, 2023, this review confirmed that sensitive consumer data was indeed accessible to the unauthorized party. The types of information exposed included names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical and prescription data, insurance details, driver s license/state ID numbers, digital/electronic signatures, and financial account numbers.
Notification Process
In adherence to regulatory requirements, on December 12, 2023, Harrisburg Medical Center began dispatching data breach notifications to the impacted individuals. The notification letters aimed to inform those affected by the incident about the specific data concerning them that had been compromised. These communications serve as a crucial step in helping affected individuals to protect their personal information moving forward.
Ongoing Developments
At the time of reporting, the complete details regarding the cause and potential repercussions of the breach were still forthcoming. SIH HMC maintains that further updates will be disseminated as they become available. The investigation into the breach by Harrisburg Medical Center, alongside law enforcement and cybersecurity experts, continues to evolve as they seek to fully understand the breach and prevent future incidents.
About Harrisburg Medical Center
Harrisburg Medical Center operates under the Southern Illinois Healthcare network that serves multiple counties. Employing more than 450 people, the center is an integral part of the local healthcare infrastructure. The broader Southern Illinois Healthcare network, which includes several other facilities, employs over 4,000 individuals, highlighting its substantial presence in the region’s healthcare sector.
More Information About Harrisburg Medical Center
Overview of Harrisburg Medical Center
Harrisburg Medical Center, founded in 2001, operates as a healthcare system within Harrisburg, Illinois. It is a part of Southern Illinois Healthcare, which is comprised of other medical facilities including St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Herrin Hospital, and Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Service Area and Customer Base
The center caters mainly to residents across Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, and White Counties. The patients who use Harrisburg Medical Center encompass a regional demographic dependent on these facilities for a wide range of healthcare services.
Healthcare Services
The Harrisburg Medical Center provides various healthcare services, including general medical care, surgical procedures, emergency services, and specialized treatments. The center serves as an essential healthcare provider for the communities within its service area.
Employment and Economic Contribution
Employment at Harrisburg Medical Center is significant for the local population, with more than 450 individuals on their payroll. By offering employment opportunities, the center has an impact on the local economy and is a key employer in the region.
Financial Overview
The financial contribution of Harrisburg Medical Center is notable, with an estimated $66 million in annual revenue. This economic activity is part of the larger Southern Illinois Healthcare network’s contribution, which is around $584 million a year.
Southern Illinois Healthcare Network
The broader network, Southern Illinois Healthcare, encompasses a larger workforce of around 4,000 people. As a network, it extends comprehensive care and services by integrating several healthcare institutions under its umbrella.
Accessibility and Importance to Local Communities
Harrisburg Medical Center is crucial for providing accessible healthcare to the communities it serves. It is a primary source of various health-related services that the local population relies on for maintaining their overall health and wellbeing.
Commitment to Patient Care
The center’s commitment to patient care is exemplified through its ongoing operations and the services it offers to the community. It strives to deliver quality healthcare to ensure the wellbeing of the patients it serves.
Response to Data Breach
In the wake of the data breach, Harrisburg Medical Center has focused on addressing the privacy and security concerns of its patients. It has sent out notification letters to the individuals affected, detailing which of their personal information had been compromised. This measure reflects the center’s protocol for engaging with their patients regarding issues that impact their privacy and security.