Two separate data breaches have struck Gadsden County, casting a shadow over its court system and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The 2nd Judicial Circuit has launched an investigation into a data breach that compromised Gadsden County court records. Initial assessments reveal the exposure of “personal identifying information,” with the breach confined to Gadsden County’s records. Although measures were taken to halt the breach, details about the breach’s nature and the number of affected individuals remain undisclosed.
Coinciding with this, Gadsden Emergency Medical Services made public an incident that may have affected specific patient information, urging vigilance against identity theft. EMS Management and Consultants Inc, on behalf of Gadsden EMS, disclosed that patient data was compromised in data breaches occurring in May and June.
An unidentified entity accessed data and retrieved various patient details, including names, social security numbers, birthdates, billing codes, and encounter/transport numbers. While no misuse has been confirmed, potentially impacted individuals are offered guidance to protect their information.
As Gadsden County confronts these breaches, questions arise about their connection. Uncertainty surrounds whether the EMS breach is linked to the cybersecurity breach in the Gadsden County Court.
Despite the challenges, the court system remains operational, allowing court documents to be filed through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal or in person at the courthouse. The 2nd Judicial Circuit emphasizes its commitment to transparency, updating the public through ongoing communications. As investigations unfold, the breaches highlight the ongoing need for stringent cybersecurity measures and proactive responses to safeguard sensitive data and citizens’ privacy.
