On July 28, 2023, Chattanooga Heart Institute filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Maine after confirming that a recent cyberattack compromised confidential information that was stored on the organization’s computer network. In this notice, Chattanooga Heart Institute explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, Social Security numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, account information, health insurance information, diagnosis/condition information, lab results, medications and other clinical, demographic or financial information. Upon completing its investigation, Chattanooga Heart Institute 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 Chattanooga Heart Institute, 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 Chattanooga Heart Institute data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the Chattanooga Heart Institute Breach?

The Chattanooga Heart Institute data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, Chattanooga Heart Institute’s filing with the Attorney General of Maine provides some important information on what led up to the breach. According to this source, on April 17, 2023, The Chattanooga Heart Institute detected signs of a cyberattack. In response, The Chattanooga Heart Institute secured its network and launched an investigation with the assistance of outside cybersecurity professionals.

The Chattanooga Heart Institute’s investigation confirmed that an unauthorized actor was able to access portions of the organization’s computer network between March 8, 2023, and March 16, 2023.

After learning that sensitive consumer data could have been accessible to an unauthorized party, Chattanooga Heart Institute reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. On May 31, The Chattanooga Heart Institute determined that some of the files that were accessible as a result of the cyberattack contained confidential patient data. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, Social Security number, mailing address, email address, phone number, date of birth, driver’s license number, account information, health insurance information, diagnosis/condition information, lab results, medications and other clinical, demographic or financial information.

On July 28, 2023, Chattanooga Heart Institute 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 Chattanooga Heart Institute

Chattanooga Heart Institute is a cardiovascular practice located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Chattanooga Heart Institute staff includes three cardiothoracic surgeons, three vascular surgeons and 29 board-certified cardiologists. The practice provides a range of cardiovascular-related treatments and services, including interventional procedures, electrophysiology, imaging and the treatment of vascular disease. Chattanooga Heart Institute employs more than 108 people and generates approximately $12 million in annual revenue.