On June 17, 2024, South Texas Oncology and Hematology (“STOH”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Texas after wrapping up an investigation into a February 2024 data breach. In this notice, STOH explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access the sensitive information of more than 170,000 people. Evidently, the leaked information includes patients' names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth and medical information. Upon completing its investigation, STOH began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.

If you received a data breach notification from South Texas Oncology and Hematology, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. A data breach lawyer can help you learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, as well as discuss your legal options following the South Texas Oncology and Hematology data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the South Texas Oncology and Hematology Data Breach?

South Texas Oncology and Hematology only recently completed its investigation, and it is possible that more information will be released in the future. However, STOH’s filings with the Attorney General of Texas provide important information on what led up to the breach. STOH also posted a website notice describing the incident and its response.

According to these sources, on February 15, 2024, STOH identified unusual activity within its IT network. In response, STOH launched an investigation, and on February 19, 2024, STOH confirmed that the suspicious activity was related to a cyberattack.

In response, STOH disconnected its network and launched an investigation with the help of outside cybersecurity experts. Ultimately, STOH’s investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access the company’s network, including files containing confidential patient information.

After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, South Texas Oncology and Hematology reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, Social Security number, date of birth and medical information.

On June 17, 2024, South Texas Oncology and Hematology notified the Texas Attorney General of the breach. Additionally, STOH’s undated website notice indicates that the company has begun notifying patients whose information was leaked in the breach.

More Information About South Texas Oncology and Hematology

South Texas Oncology and Hematology is a healthcare services provider based in San Antonio, Texas. STOH provides cancer treatment for patients diagnosed with various GI and skin cancers. South Texas Oncology and Hematology operates seven locations in Texas. South Texas Oncology and Hematology employs more than 405 people and generates approximately $8 million in annual revenue.