Breach, Threat Management, Data Security

Three laptops stolen from New York podiatry office, 6,475 at risk

Nearly 6,500 patients of Sims and Associates Podiatry may have had personal information – including Social Security numbers – compromised after three laptops containing the patient data were stolen from the New York office.

How many victims? 6,475, according to HHS.gov. 

What type of personal information? Names, addresses, phone numbers, genders, dates of birth, ages, and internal chart numbers. Visit dates, vascular testing information, health insurance information, and Social Security numbers were likely included for patients undergoing vascular testing. Weights and prescribed orthotics were likely included for patients who were prescribed orthotics. X-ray dates and imaging were included for patients who took x-rays.

What happened? Three laptops containing the patient data were stolen from the Sims and Associates Podiatry office in New York.

What was the response? An investigation is ongoing, as is a review to enhance security. A notification was posted on the Sims and Associates Podiatry website.

Details: The theft occurred sometime between Jan. 10 and Jan. 12 and was discovered on Jan. 12 at around 9:30 a.m. The data for patients undergoing vascular testing was taken from 2007 to Jan. 10. The data for patients who were prescribed orthotics was taken from mid-2012 to Jan. 10. The data for patients that took x-rays was taken from 2004 to Jan. 10.

Quote: “There has been no evidence of misuse of any affected person's information, and a review of procedures to enhance security and theft protection is ongoing,” according to the notification posted to the website.

Source: simsandassociatespodiatry.com, “Important Security and Protection Notification.”

Get daily email updates

SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news

By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.