Breach, Data Security

Hundreds impacted after Washington doctor’s laptop is stolen

A laptop containing personal information – including Social Security numbers – on roughly 900 individuals at nursing homes in Washington state was stolen from the vehicle of a South Sound doctor.

How many victims? Roughly 900.  

What type of personal information? Names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers and other medical information.

What happened? A laptop containing the information was stolen from the vehicle of a South Sound doctor.

What was the response? The doctor, Ronald Schubert, notified the police, as well as impacted patients. Schubert is now storing information in a secure place and is ensuring it is encrypted and password-protected. Schubert said he would cover the cost of credit monitoring for a year to those who request it.

Details: Schubert saw the nursing home patients between January 2011 and November 2013. The vehicle was broken into on the afternoon of Nov. 22, 2013. Schubert said he has received no updates from law enforcement regarding the theft.

Quote: “While I am uncertain whether your personal information was actually obtained, I want to bring this situation to your attention,” Schubert said. “I take very seriously our role of safeguarding your personal information and using it in an appropriate manner. I personally apologize for this situation and am taking appropriate measures to prevent a reoccurrence.”

Source: thenewstribune.com, The News Tribune, “South Sound doctor's laptop stolen, containing information of about 900 patients,” Jan. 27, 2014.

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