On December 29, 2023, Highlands Oncology Group PA (“Highland Oncology”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Montana after hackers targeted the company through a cyberattack. In this notice, Highlands Oncology explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access patients’ sensitive information, which includes their names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, state ID numbers, passport numbers, military ID numbers, financial account numbers, credit and/or debit card numbers, health insurance information, and medical information. Upon completing its investigation, Highlands Oncology 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 Highlands Oncology Group PA, 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 Highlands Oncology Group data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.
What Caused the Highlands Oncology Group Data Breach?
The Highlands Oncology Group data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected shortly. However, Highlands Oncology’s filing with the Attorney General of Montana provides some important information on what led up to the breach. Highlands Oncology also posted notice of the incident on its website.
According to these sources, on September 26, 2023, Highlands Oncology learned that it had been the recent victim of a cyberattack. In response, Highlands Oncology notified law enforcement, secured its systems, and then began working with outside cybersecurity professionals to investigate the incident.
The Highlands Oncology investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party accessed the company’s computer network between September 25, 2023 and September 26, 2023, at which time they encrypted portions of Highlands Oncology’s network. The investigation also determined that the unauthorized party accessed certain files containing confidential patient information.
After learning that sensitive patient data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Highlands Oncology Group reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which patients were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, date of birth, Social Security number, driver’s license number, state ID number, passport number, military ID number, financial account number, credit and/or debit card number, health insurance information, and medical information.
On December 29, 2023, Highlands Oncology Group 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 Highlands Oncology Group PA
Highlands Oncology Group PA is a healthcare services provider specializing in the treatment of cancer. Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Highlands Oncology offers a range of treatments and services, including chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, rehabilitation & massage, Theranostics and pharmacy services. The company operates five locations throughout Arkansas. Highlands Oncology Group employs more than 367 people and generates approximately $48 million in annual revenue.
