COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho, Aug. 12,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kootenai Health and its
subsidiaries Kootenai Clinic, Kootenai Outpatient Surgery
and Kootenai Outpatient Imaging (collectively "Kootenai Health")
have learned of a data security incident that may have impacted
data belonging to certain employees, employees' dependents, and
patients. The incident had no impact on Kootenai Health's
operations or ability to serve patients and the community. To
date, Kootenai Health is not aware of any attempt to misuse any
information potentially involved in this incident.
On March 2, 2024, Kootenai Health
became aware of unusual activity that disrupted access to certain
IT systems. Upon discovering this activity, Kootenai Health took
steps to secure its digital environment. Kootenai Health also
engaged leading cybersecurity experts to assist with an
investigation and to determine whether personal information may
have been accessed or acquired without authorization. The
investigation revealed that an unknown actor may have gained
unauthorized access to certain data from the Kootenai Health
network on or around February 22,
2024. Kootenai Health then worked to conduct a comprehensive
review of the impacted data to determine what personal and/or
protected health information was involved and to verify the
affected information and mailing addresses for impacted individuals
to ensure Kootenai Health had the most up to date contact
information. This process was completed on August 1, 2024.
The information involved, if impacted, may have included
individuals' names along with dates of birth, Social Security
numbers, driver's license or government-issued identification
numbers, medical record numbers, medical treatment and condition
information, medical diagnoses, medication information, and health
insurance information.
As soon as it discovered the incident, Kootenai Health took the
steps referenced above. Kootenai Health also notified the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and will provide whatever cooperation is
necessary to hold the responsible parties accountable, if possible.
Kootenai Health takes the security and privacy of personal
information in its possession very seriously and is taking
additional steps to prevent a similar event from occurring in the
future.
On August 12, 2024, Kootenai
Health mailed notice of this incident to potentially impacted
individuals for which Kootenai Health had identifiable address
information. In this notification letter, Kootenai Health
provided information about the incident and steps that potentially
affected individuals can take to protect their information.
Kootenai Health also offered individuals access to complimentary
identity protection services through IDX.
Kootenai Health has established a toll-free call center to
answer questions about the incident and to address related
concerns. Call center representatives are available Monday through
Friday between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific
Time and can be reached at 1-888-663-1581. All affected
individuals may qualify for complimentary identity protection
services through IDX. Individuals who have not received a
notification letter must obtain verification of eligibility through
the call center to enroll in services.
Kootenai Health takes the privacy and security of all
information within its possession very seriously. Thank you for
your understanding about this incident.
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kootenai-health-notifies-individuals-of-a-data-breach-302220171.html
SOURCE Kootenai Health