Lost back-up computer files from a Massachusetts hospital compromise sensitive personal information of 800,000 people
 
South Shore Hospital has acknowledged that a professional data management company has lost back-up computer files containing sensitive personal, health and financial information of around 800,000 individuals. As per a disclosure notice posted on their website, "The information on the back-up computer files may include individuals' full names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, medical record numbers, patient numbers, health plan information, dates of service, protected health information including diagnoses and treatments relating to certain hospital and home health care visits, and other personal information."
 
For further information:
(1) http://www.southshorehospital.org/news/credit_information/creditinformation.htm
(2) http://www.phiprivacy.net/?p=3093
(3) http://www.infosecurity-us.com/view/11177/south-shore-hospital-data-breach-may-affect-up-to-800000-contractor-named/
(4) http://wbztv.com/local/south.shore.hospital.2.1812856.html

-- Amit Grover, July 26, 2010