Pembilier Nursing Center Data Breach

If you've been a patient or associate of Pembilier Nursing Center, it's essential to be aware of a recent data breach that may impact your personal information. On March 4, 2024, Pembina County Memorial Hospital, which operates within the healthcare industry and is dedicated to providing a family-centered approach to health services, discovered unauthorized access to their network.

The breach was first noticed due to suspicious activity on their network on April 13, 2023. The hospital took immediate action to contain the threat and secure their systems. An extensive investigation, concluded on March 4, 2024, revealed that an unauthorized actor had access to the system as early as March 7, 2023, and had obtained certain files containing personal information.

The compromised information includes Social Security Numbers, a critical piece of personal data. The breach affected 23,451 individuals in the United States, with 2 reported cases in Maine. Pembina County Memorial Hospital has disclosed the breach to the Attorney General's office in Maine, and the details can be found on the Maine Attorney General's website.

To address this incident, the hospital has begun notifying affected individuals through written communication as of March 25, 2024. They are offering credit monitoring services through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company, to help protect against potential fraud. If you believe you may be affected, it is advised to enroll in these services promptly.

For further information and assistance, the hospital has established a dedicated, confidential toll-free response line. Professionals familiar with the incident are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Here are some immediate steps you can take to protect your information:

• Monitor Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit reports and financial statements for any unusual activity.
• Fraud Alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit files to make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name.
• Security Freeze: Consider adding a security freeze to your credit reports, which will prevent credit bureaus from releasing your information without your consent.
• Free Credit Reports: You are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the major credit bureaus. Review them carefully for any discrepancies.

For more detailed information on the breach and what you can do, please visit the hospital's official website.

It's crucial to act swiftly to safeguard your personal information. If you notice any suspicious activity or have concerns about identity theft, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement and file a report. Your vigilance and prompt action are the best defenses against potential misuse of your data.