A ransomware attack on Grand Prairie, Texas-based Rainbow Children's Clinic in early August reportedly affected 33,638 patients, according to Information Management.
On Aug. 3, a hacker launched a ransomware attack on the clinic's computer system, encrypting data on the clinic's servers. Rainbow Children's Clinic attempted to quickly shut down its system, but an investigation conducted by a forensic expert proved a number of patient records had been deleted, reports Healthcare Finance News.
The potentially "irretrievably deleted" records may include patients' names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, medical information and payment guarantors.
Rainbow Children's Clinic recently began mailing notification letters to all affected patients. The clinic is also offering individuals impacted by the attack free monitoring and identity theft services through Equifax. In addition, the clinic set up a toll-free call center to answer affected patients' questions.