North Cottage Program, an addiction treatment organization located in Massachusetts, recently reported a data breach to the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, revealing that sensitive personal identifiable information (PII) and protected health information (PHI) may have been accessed by unauthorized actors. The breach was detected on May 16, 2024, when NCP discovered suspicious activity within its network environment, prompting the organization to launch an immediate investigation to understand the nature and extent of the incident. Through their investigation, NCP identified that sensitive personal information might have been compromised during this unauthorized access, leading to a comprehensive review of the affected data.
Upon concluding the investigation on August 12, 2024, NCP determined that various types of sensitive information were potentially exposed, including names, Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth, medical information, and health insurance details. This diverse range of compromised information underscores the severity of the breach and the potential risks faced by the individuals affected. Following the identification of the impacted data, North Cottage Program initiated a process to notify those individuals whose information may have been accessed, ensuring transparency and accountability in their response to the breach.
On August 30, 2024, NCP began mailing out data breach notification letters to the affected individuals, detailing the specific types of sensitive information that were compromised. As a proactive measure to assist those impacted by the breach, the organization is offering 24 months of complimentary credit monitoring services to help mitigate potential identity theft risks. This initiative aims to provide affected individuals with the necessary tools to monitor their personal information and protect themselves against any adverse consequences that may arise from the incident.
Founded in 1968, North Cottage Program has established itself as a key player in the field of addiction treatment, offering various programs and services designed to support individuals battling substance addiction. Headquartered in Norton, Massachusetts, the organization primarily serves adult males and employs over 40 individuals dedicated to providing comprehensive care. As North Cottage Program navigates the aftermath of this data breach, it remains committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of its clients, reinforcing its dedication to ethical practices within the addiction treatment landscape.
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