Jefferson County Health Center announces data breach

FAIRFIELD — Jefferson County Health Center has announced that it discovered a data breach to its customers’ information.

The health center issued a news release indicating that it discovered suspicious activity on its network on May 30, 2023. The health center moved to secure its network and launched an investigation into the scope of this activity. JCHC authorities learned that an unknown actor gained access to files between April 24 and May 30.

Thus far, the health center is not aware of any evidence that information was stolen or has been used to commit fraud resulting from this data breach. Its review of the breach found that this unknown actor may have gained access to patient information such as the person’s name, health insurance information, medical history, medical treatment information and diagnosis.

“JCHC takes this incident and the security of information within our care very seriously,” the health center stated in its news release. “As part of our ongoing commitment to the privacy of information in our care, JCHC is reviewing existing security policies and procedures and has taken additional measures to further protect against similar incidents moving forward. JCHC also notified state and federal regulators, as required.”

JCHC patients with questions about this incident can call 1-833-598-1841 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, or write to JCHC at 2000 South Main Street, Fairfield, IA 52556.

The health center stated that patients have the right to place a “security freeze” on their credit, if they fear their information may be used to take out a loan without their knowledge. Patients also have the right to place a “fraud alert” on their credit file at no cost, which requires businesses to take extra steps to identify a person before extending a new line of credit.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com