The Better Business Bureau is urging patients of the University of Mississippi Medical Center to monitor their private information following a cyberattack.John O’Hara, CEO of BBB, said people misunderstand what these cyber criminals are actually looking for, saying, “People say so what if they get my medical records. I had a broken bone, or I had this. It’s private, but it’s not a big deal.” He explained that they are not interested in medical records but are targeting background information.”They are looking for patients’ information, their address, social security number, date of birth,” O’Hara said.O’Hara warned that the goal of these criminals is to sell the information on the black market, where it is highly sought after.He advised patients to monitor their information for the next year to avoid identity theft, stating, “It’s worth it rather than having your identity stolen.”He also mentioned that credit monitoring services are available, which can alert individuals if someone attempts to open a line of credit or a credit card in their name or get a loan. He said credit monitoring is typically free and easy to access and suggested that individuals might want to freeze their credit altogether for added security.The BBB also cautioned patients to be wary of phone calls offering drug prescription plans or other medical incentives, as these could be scams based on stolen medical records.
The Better Business Bureau is urging patients of the University of Mississippi Medical Center to monitor their private information following a cyberattack.
John O’Hara, CEO of BBB, said people misunderstand what these cyber criminals are actually looking for, saying, “People say so what if they get my medical records. I had a broken bone, or I had this. It’s private, but it’s not a big deal.”
He explained that they are not interested in medical records but are targeting background information.
“They are looking for patients’ information, their address, social security number, date of birth,” O’Hara said.
O’Hara warned that the goal of these criminals is to sell the information on the black market, where it is highly sought after.
He advised patients to monitor their information for the next year to avoid identity theft, stating, “It’s worth it rather than having your identity stolen.”
He also mentioned that credit monitoring services are available, which can alert individuals if someone attempts to open a line of credit or a credit card in their name or get a loan. He said credit monitoring is typically free and easy to access and suggested that individuals might want to freeze their credit altogether for added security.
The BBB also cautioned patients to be wary of phone calls offering drug prescription plans or other medical incentives, as these could be scams based on stolen medical records.