The Egyptian Health Department (EHD) recently reported a significant data breach impacting 121,995 individuals, including a resident of Maine. The breach, discovered on December 21, 2023, involved an external system hack that compromised sensitive personal information. The exposed data includes names and other personal identifiers that could be exploited for identity theft.
The EHD acted promptly by notifying relevant authorities and informing affected individuals via written communication on July 2, 2024. To address the potential risks associated with the breach, the department has offered 12 months of credit monitoring services through TransUnion to those affected. This measure aims to mitigate the risk of identity theft and provide reassurance to the impacted individuals.
In response to the breach, the EHD has undertaken a comprehensive review of its cybersecurity protocols and implemented enhanced security measures. The breach underscores the necessity of robust cybersecurity frameworks within healthcare organizations to protect sensitive patient information and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Joseph Fusz of Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP, representing the EHD, emphasized the department’s commitment to safeguarding patient data. The EHD is working diligently to understand the breach’s full scope and to implement measures to prevent future attacks. A dedicated helpline has been established to assist affected individuals and provide guidance on protecting their personal information.
