Description

Geisinger, a prominent healthcare system in Pennsylvania, has disclosed a data breach involving a former employee of Nuance, an IT services provider contracted by the organization. The breach, detected in November 2023, revealed unauthorized access to patient databases by the former Nuance employee shortly after their termination. Geisinger promptly alerted Nuance, leading to immediate action to block access to the compromised systems. The compromised patient information includes details such as full names, phone numbers, dates of birth, addresses, medical record numbers, and other clinical data. However, sensitive financial information like credit card details, bank account numbers, and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) were reportedly unaffected. Nuance, in collaboration with law enforcement, swiftly addressed the incident, resulting in the former employee's arrest and charges. Geisinger advises potentially affected individuals to remain vigilant, reviewing their statements for any unauthorized activity and promptly reporting suspicious entries to their health insurers. The healthcare provider has also recommended affected individuals consider monitoring their personal information closely. Meanwhile, legal scrutiny into the breach is underway, with the possibility of a class action lawsuit being explored to address the scope and implications of the incident.