AI Firm’s Misconfigured Server Exposed 5.3 TB of Mental Health Records

NC DHHS reports the misconfiguration has been resolved

Breach exposed names, addresses, Social Security numbers and mental health data of 130,000 people

A server misconfiguration exposed the protected health information (PHI) of 130,000 North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) announced in a press release last week. The exposed data included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and mental health information. The server was reportedly misconfigured for about a week before the issue was discovered and resolved. NC DHHS says the misconfiguration has been resolved and that there is no evidence that any of the exposed data was accessed or misused. However, the department is urging anyone who may have been affected by the breach to take steps to protect their information, such as monitoring their credit reports and freezing their credit. NC DHHS is also offering free credit monitoring services to those who were affected by the breach. Anyone who believes their information may have been exposed can call the NC DHHS Division of Health Benefits at 888-245-0040. The breach is a reminder of the importance of protecting sensitive data. Healthcare providers and other organizations that collect and store PHI must take steps to ensure that their data is secure. This includes using strong passwords, encrypting data, and regularly monitoring systems for security breaches. The exposed data included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and mental health information. The server was reportedly misconfigured for about a week before the issue was discovered and resolved. NC DHHS says the misconfiguration has been resolved and that there is no evidence that any of the exposed data was accessed or misused. However, the department is urging anyone who may have been affected by the breach to take steps to protect their information, such as monitoring their credit reports and freezing their credit. NC DHHS is also offering free credit monitoring services to those who were affected by the breach. Anyone who believes their information may have been exposed can call the NC DHHS Division of Health Benefits at 888-245-0040. The breach is a reminder of the importance of protecting sensitive data. Healthcare providers and other organizations that collect and store PHI must take steps to ensure that their data is secure. This includes using strong passwords, encrypting data, and regularly monitoring systems for security breaches.