Change Healthcare Data Breach: What You Need to Know

Check if your email is on the dark web.

Please enter a valid email.

Scan Now

What Data Was Exposed?

The breach leaked a vast amount of sensitive patient and financial data, including:

• Personal Information: Names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth.
• Government IDs: Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, and passport details.
• Medical Records: Diagnoses, test results, medications, and treatment plans.
• Health Insurance Details: Policy numbers, insurance providers, and billing information.
• Financial Information: Bank account details, payment records, and credit card data.

What Are the Risks of Data Breach?

When cybercriminals steal healthcare data, they can use it in many harmful ways, such as:

• Identity Theft: If someone steals your personal details, they can use them to open fake bank accounts, take out loans in your name, or commit fraud.
• Medical Fraud: If hackers get access to your insurance details, they can file false claims or receive medical treatment pretending to be you.
• Financial Theft: Stolen credit cards or banking details can be used for unauthorized transactions, leading to financial loss.
• Privacy Risks: If your medical history is leaked, it could be used to discriminate against you or even blackmail you.

What Should I Do in Case of a Data Breach?

If your data was exposed in this breach, taking immediate action can help reduce the risk of fraud. Here's what you should do:

If Your Personal Information Was Leaked:

• Place a fraud alert on Equifax, Experian, and Transunion to prevent identity theft.
• Check your credit card report for any suspicious activity.
• Freeze your credit to stop criminals from opening new accounts in your name.
• If your Social Security number is exposed, contact the Social Security Administration.

If Your Medical or Insurance Data Was Compromised:

• Check your health insurance statements for fraudulent claims.
• Get in touch with your healthcare provider to report any unusual activity.
• Change your passwords for online medical portals and insurance accounts.

If Your Financial Information Was Stolen:

• Alert your bank and request a new card if your banking details are exposed.
• Monitor your account activity for unauthorized charges.
• Set up transaction alerts to get notified about suspicious activities.

How to Minimize Damage During Data Breaches

If your personal information has been exposed online, take these steps to reduce the risk:

• Dark Web Monitoring: Monitor the dark web for any leaked personal data, such as credit card details, email addresses, or passwords.
• Tracker Blocker: Stop online trackers from collecting data about your browsing habits and activities, no matter where you are.
• Data Removal Requests: Request websites and data brokers to remove your personal information from their databases.
• Social Media Privacy Settings: Review and update your social media privacy settings to protect your accounts from hacking attempts and phishing.

In Conclusion 

A data breach can cause significant issues, significantly when it exposes your medical and financial information. It's a reminder to take your privacy seriously and always be one step ahead to protect yourself.