On October 30, 2024, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates (“RGA”) filed a notice of data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights after discovering that the practice was targeted in a cyberattack. In this notice, RGA explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access patients’ sensitive information, which includes their personal information and health information. Upon completing its investigation, RGA 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 Rockford Gastroenterology Associates, 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 Rockford Gastroenterology Associates data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.
What Caused the Rockford Gastroenterology Associates Data Breach?
The Rockford Gastroenterology Associates data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, RGA’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides some important information on what led up to the breach. RGA also posted a website notice that provides additional details about the incident.
According to these sources, RGA recently learned that part of its network was affected by a cyberattack. In response, RGA secured its systems and then began working with third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and determine what, if any, patient information may have been compromised.
Through this investigation, RGA confirmed that certain files and folders containing confidential patient information were accessed by the unauthorized party on December 16, 2023. However, RGA was able to confirm that the practice’s electronic health records system was not affected by the incident.
After learning that sensitive patient data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which patients were impacted. RGA completed this process on September 4, 2024. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your personal information and health information.
On October 30, 2024, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates sent 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 Rockford Gastroenterology Associates
Founded in 1980, Rockford Gastroenterology Associates is a healthcare services provider based out of Rockford, Illinois. RGA treats a wide range of conditions affecting the GI system, including acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, gastroparesis, hemochromatosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and ulcerative colitis. Rockford Gastroenterology Associates employs more than 148 people and generates approximately $11 million in annual revenue.
