Dental Group of Amarillo notifying patients of possible data breach
Dental Group of Amarillo (DGA) sent out an alert Thursday that it is notifying patients who may have been impacted by an incident involving some of their personal information.
According to a news release, on Oct. 26, 2023, the dental group discovered that an unauthorized third party had gained access to its network.
"Upon learning of the situation, DGA promptly began an internal investigation and engaged a leading forensic security firm to assist in its investigation and confirm the security of its computer systems and network," the release states. "The forensic investigation recently concluded and determined that the unauthorized third party accessed certain files on DGA’s network between October 3 and October 19, 2023. DGA reviewed the files for any personal information that could have been accessed and on January 9, 2024, learned that some patient information was contained in those files."
DGA said the type of data accessed varied for each impacted individual, but it may have included their name, address, telephone number and email address, as well as health information such as provider name, dates of service, X-rays, limited medical history and dental insurance information. For a limited number of individuals, the data may have also included their Social Security number and/or driver’s license number.
DGA said has taken additional steps including enhancing its cybersecurity posture to help reduce the likelihood of any similar event from happening in the future.
Related: BSA: Ardent Health Services notifying individuals impacted by data privacy incident
"At this point, DGA is not aware of any fraud or identity theft to any individual as a result of this incident," the release continued. "However, DGA is nonetheless notifying the involved patients and has arranged for complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services for those individuals whose Social Security numbers and/or driver’s license numbers were involved. The notice will include information on steps individuals can take to protect themselves against potential fraud or identity theft."
DGA recommends people regularly monitor their credit reports, account statements and benefit statements for any suspicious activity. If they detect anything out of the ordinary, they should notify the entity with which the account is maintained, and promptly report any fraudulent activity to proper law enforcement authorities, including the police and their state attorney general.
"DGA values the trust you place in it to protect the privacy and security of your information and apologizes for any inconvenience this incident might cause," the release states.
Patients seeking additional information may call a toll-free inquiry line at 866-495-1063 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major U.S. holidays.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Dental Group of Amarillo notifies patients of possible data breach
