Blackstone Valley Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers

The November 2023 Security Incident

On November 11, 2023, Blackstone Valley Community Health Center (BVCHC) experienced a significant disruption in their computer network. The center quickly initiated an investigation with the assistance of digital forensics experts. This comprehensive investigation revealed that unauthorized access had occurred, and certain data may have been acquired by unauthorized individuals. The review process to determine the extent of the breach concluded on March 11, 2024, confirming that personal information of some individuals had been compromised.

Information Exposed

• Name
• Medical information
• Social Security number

Blackstone Valley Community Health Center's Response

Upon discovering the breach, BVCHC acted swiftly to secure their systems and mitigate any further risk of data loss. They notified the FBI and are cooperating fully to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Additionally, BVCHC has implemented enhanced network security measures to prevent future incidents. They have also arranged for affected individuals to receive free credit monitoring and identity protection services through IdentityForce, a service provided by Cyberscout. To enroll in these services, affected individuals should visit IdentityForce and follow the instructions provided.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you believe your information was involved in this breach, it is crucial to remain vigilant by monitoring your account statements and credit reports closely. Consider taking the following steps:

• Obtain a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports to warn creditors of potential fraud.
• Consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports, which prevents credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent.
• Report any suspected identity theft to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission at FTC Identity Theft, or your state Attorney General.

For more detailed information on how to protect your information and what specific steps to take, please refer to the consumer notice provided by BVCHC, available at the bottom of this page in PDF format.

About Blackstone Valley Community Health Center

Blackstone Valley Community Health Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive health care services across several communities. They offer a wide range of services including primary medical care, dental care, mental health services, and pharmacy services through a partnership with CVS Pharmacy.

For further details on the data breach, you can view the disclosures on the Attorney General's websites for Maine and Massachusetts.