An unauthorized individual gained access to the practice’s system March 14 and began making configuration changes, according to a July 1 news release. The practice said it became aware of the incident April 24 after its IT provider noticed abnormal activity. An investigation into the incident determined that the individual gained access to a data folder containing sensitive information and patient information.
Data that was accessed during the hack may include names, dates of birth and possibly dental treatment history. It may also include the social security numbers of some patients under Medicaid.
The practice said the FBI is currently investigating the incident and that it is working with a cybersecurity consultant. It also implemented enhanced security measures to help prevent other future incidents.
Core Dental Health submitted the incident to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Breach Portal July 1. The breach portal states that the cyberattack affected 2,349 individuals.
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