One of the Pentagon’s largest contractors has acknowledged it discovered a data breach affecting as many as 4.9 million patients who have received care from military facilities in San Antonio since 1992, the San Antonio Express-News is reporting.
In the wrong hands, the sensitive information could be used to accomplish identity theft, such as fraudulently opening security cards, bank accounts, or obtaining public benefits. According to Javelin Strategy and Research, more than 11 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2009, with a total fraud estimated to be at $54 billion. (See here).
Science Applications International Corp. said the breach involved backup computer tapes from an electronic health care record. The compromised information includes Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers and private health information for patients in 10 states.
Sheller PC is currently investigating claims of Tricare beneficiaries who may be harmed by the breach. If you or someone you know has been affected by this breach please contact us at (800) 883-2299.
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