Patient information possibly breached in Nacogdoches hospital cyber-attack

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) — A data security incident earlier this year at the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital (NMH) may have disclosed patients’ personal information to an unauthorized party, the hospital reports.
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According to the hospital, a cyber-attack on Jan. 31 compromised its computer network and information systems. Law enforcement was immediately notified and an investigation began, determining that an unauthorized party may have had access to personal patient information.

The following patient information may have been accessed:

Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Social security number
Date of Birth
Medical record number
Medical account number
Health beneficiary number
Possible photograph image, if taken

The hospital reports that it is not aware of the misuse of anyone’s information from the incident, as of Tuesday.

Following the re-securing of the computer network, the hospital reinforced and enhanced its security.

“NMH takes the security of all information in its systems very seriously and wants to assure its patients that it has taken steps to prevent a similar event from occurring in the future,” the hospital said. “This includes implementation of remediation measures to prevent recurrence, to strengthen NMH’s network security, enhancing NMH’s cyber preparedness through additional awareness training, and updating NMH’s procedures.”

The hospital notified its patients by mail, including information on steps to protect their information. Anyone looking for additional information or recommendations on protecting personal information should visit the NMH website at nacmem.org, the hospital advises.

“We sincerely regret any concern or inconvenience that this matter may cause its patients and remain dedicated to protecting patients’ personal information,” the hospital said.