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

Swatting Calls, Hoax Threats Have Real Consequences for Healthcare

A recent report of a shooting at a hospital in California turned out to be a possible swatting incident.


Next Level Announces Expansion of Conroe, Texas Clinic

The expanded facility will offer additional exam rooms, improved patient flow and an enhanced waiting area designed with patient comfort in mind.


Beacon's Memorial Hospital of South Bend Tower Reaches Construction Milestone

The first steel beams have begun to arrive for the project.


The HAI Challenge Goes On

The CDC estimates that about 23,000 people die each year from 17 types of antimicrobial-resistant infections acquired in healthcare facilities.


Report: Violence Costs Hospitals More than $18B Per Year

Building safety into the facilities’ designs is one approach to preventing violence and ensuring resilience.


 
 


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.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.