On November 9, 2023, Warren General Hospital (“WGH”) filed a notice of data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights after discovering that an unknown actor accessed certain WGH computer systems. In this notice, WGH explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information, which includes their names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, financial account information, payment card information, health insurance information, and medical treatment information. Upon completing its investigation, WGH began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.

If you receive a data breach notification from Warren General Hospital, 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 Warren General Hospital data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What Caused the Warren General Hospital Data Breach?

The Warren General Hospital data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, WGH’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides some important information on what led up to the breach. WGH also posted a website notice entitled “Notice of Data Privacy Event.”

According to these sources, on September 24, 2023, WGH detected unusual activity on its computer network. In response, WGH secured its system, notified federal law enforcement, and then began working with third-party data security specialists to assist with its investigation into the incident.

The WGH investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access the company’s computer network between September 15, 2023 and September 23, 2023. WGH was also able to determine that some of the files that were accessible to the unauthorized party contained confidential patient information.

After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Warren General Hospital reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, financial account information, payment card information, health insurance information, and medical treatment information.

On November 9, 2023, Warren General Hospital 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 Warren General Hospital

Founded in 1900, Warren General Hospital is a community hospital located in Warren, Pennsylvania. WGH has an 87-bed facility, where staff provides a wide range of services, including primary care, emergency care, urology, imaging, psychiatric care, surgery, eye care, family medicine, maternity care and more. Warren General Hospital employs more than 640 people and generates approximately $75 million in annual revenue.