200,000 VA Records Exposed Online

Exposed data included patient names, birth dates, medical information, contact information and physician details

By Dan Hounsell


As healthcare IT managers work diligently to shore up breaches in their cybersecurity defenses in an effort to protect valuable patient and research data, health systems continue to find gaps in their organizations’ defenses.

A database containing medical records of almost 200,000 U.S. military veterans was recently discovered to have been exposed online by a vendor contracted by the Veterans Administration, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. It appears that a researcher was attempting to find security deficiencies and flaws in United Valor Solutions systems. VA officials do not believe there was a data breach; rather, this was done for research purposes at the request of the contractor, United Valor Solutions.

The exposed data included patient names, birth dates, medical information, contact information and physician details. The database also exposed unencrypted passwords and billing information.



May 17, 2021


Topic Area: Information Technology


Recent Posts

What Managers Miss in Small and Mid-Sized Cooling Units

The assumption is that small cooling units are fine. That assumption is costing facilities more than most owners and managers realize.


Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Cockroach Risks

Here’s what healthcare facilities managers should inspect and address after severe weather to prevent pest problems.


The Medical College of Wisconsin Breaks Ground on Student Housing Complex

The four-story apartment complex will include 266 units of various sizes.


A Shift in Healthcare Facilities Management

Healthcare facilities leaders who embrace a mindset change will be better prepared for the future.


Trauma-Informed Design Transforms Boston Homeless Shelter

Case study: A comprehensive renovation of St. Francis House makes use of trauma-informed design, infrastructure upgrades and operational improvements.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.