Recently, Prospect Medical Holdings posted a notice on its website indicating that the company’s “computer systems are now back up and running … following a data security incident.” While Prospect has not yet confirmed what, if any, confidential patient data was leaked as a result of the incident, it appears likely sensitive data was compromised based on the company’s description of the event as a “data security incident.” Upon completing its investigation, Prospect began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.

If you receive a data breach notification from Prospect Medical Holdings, 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 possible Prospect Medical Holdings data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the Possible Prospect Medical Holdings Breach?

The possible Prospect Medical Holdings data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, Prospect’s website notice and several third-party reports provide some important information on what led up to the breach. According to these sources, on August 3, 2023, Prospect employees turned on their computers to find ransomware notes, explaining that their network had been hacked and their devices encrypted.

Later, the Rhysida ransomware group took credit for the attack, explaining that it was able to steal 500,000 Social Security numbers, corporate documents, and patient records.

In all likelihood, Prospect is still in the process of investigating the incident and the impact it had on patients. However, if Prospect Medical Holdings’ investigation concludes that confidential patient data was leaked during the ransomware attack, the company will be required to send out data breach letters to anyone who was affected by the recent data security incident. These letters should provide victims with a list of what information belonging to them was compromised.

More Information About Prospect Medical Holdings

Established in 1996, Prospect Medical Holdings is a holding company based in Los Angeles, California. Prospect operates 16 hospitals in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, as well as a network of more than 165 outpatient clinics and centers. Prospect’s hospitals include:

• Bellflower Behavioral Health Hospital
• Foothill Regional Medical Center
• Los Angeles Community Hospital
• Norwalk Community Hospital
• Southern California Hospital at Culver City
• Southern California Hospital at Hollywood
• Eastern Connecticut Health System
• Waterbury Health
• Crozer Health
• CharterCARE Health Partners
• Van Nuys Behavioral Health Hospital

Prospect Medical Holdings employs more than 18,000 people and generates approximately $1.9 billion in annual revenue.