By HFT Staff

On June 18, 2023, SouthCoast Medical Group, LLC (SouthCoast) identified unauthorized activity on certain network systems. In response, they took steps to secure their network and initiated an investigation. Although the investigation is ongoing, to date, the investigation determined that an unauthorized actor downloaded certain files from their systems potentially between June 15 and June 18, 2023. The investigation to determine what information may be impacted and to whom it relates is still ongoing at this time. 

They note that SouthCoast’s electronic medical record system was not involved or accessed by this incident. Although the efforts to confirm the full extent of affected information remain ongoing, at this time, SouthCoast believes that certain information related to SouthCoast’s current and former patients may be affected, including an individual’s name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number, as well as certain information related to treatment such as admission and/or discharge dates for a subset of patients. Please note that SouthCoast has not yet identified which patients may be impacted or the specific information that may be impacted. SouthCoast’s investigation is ongoing and it will provide appropriate notification based on the results. 

SouthCoast’s response to this event also included prompt reporting to federal law enforcement. They have also instituted additional security measures as appropriate to further secure the information in their system and are increasing the frequency and scope of their training to employees regarding the importance of safeguarding data. SouthCoast is also notifying requisite regulatory authorities.