Advocates

The covered entity (CE), Advocates, reported that it experienced a ransomware incident that affected the protected health information (PHI) of 70,031 individuals. The PHI involved included names, Social Security and drivers’ license numbers, dates of birth, addresses, diagnoses, medications, and other treatment and claims information. The CE notified HHS, affected individuals, the media, and posted substitute notice on its website. In response to the breach, the CE offered free credit monitoring services and implemented additional administrative, technical, and security safeguards. Staff were also retrained in their requirements to protect and secure PHI.