Personal info of nearly 60K patients may have been exposed in health system cyberattack

Ransomware cyberattack stock image

Patients who had their data accessed in a recent cyber attack on Cooper University Health Care are being offered complimentary identity protection services. Canva stock image

A cyber attack on Cooper University Health Care last year may have exposed nearly 60,000 patients’ names, addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, and health insurance information, the company said in a statement.

The Camden-based company said the breach occurred on or about May 14, 2024. After becoming aware of the activity, Cooper conducted an investigation into what happened and what information may have been accessed.

“As a result of the investigation, we learned that certain data stored in our systems was potentially acquired without authorization during the incident,” according to a notice on the company’s website.

Cooper concluded identifying the individuals and information involved on March 26 of this year and then took steps to provide notification as quickly as possible, according to a company statement.

The data breach affected a total of 57,412 people, according to a notice published by the Office of the Maine Attorney General.

Cooper did not immediately specify how many New Jersey residents were affected.

Cooper University Health Care consists of three hospitals: Cooper University Hospital, Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, and Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional. The health system is also home to MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, six urgent care centers, and more than 130 outpatient offices from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore, according to its website.

The health system has established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident and to address related concerns. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., excluding holidays, and can be reached at 1-877-623-0094.

Cooper is also offering complimentary identity protection services.

Jackie Roman

Stories by Jackie Roman

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.

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