Valley Oaks Health Data Breach: June 8-13 Incident

What Happened?

Valley Oaks Health recently identified a security incident that may have compromised some personal information of its clients. Between June 8, 2023, and June 13, 2023, unauthorized access was gained to parts of Valley Oaks' network. The breach was discovered on February 2, 2024, prompting an immediate and thorough investigation with the aid of external cybersecurity experts. It was confirmed that the compromised data included sensitive information such as Social Security numbers.

Immediate Actions Taken

Upon discovering the breach, Valley Oaks Health acted swiftly to secure their systems and mitigate any potential impact. A detailed forensic investigation was carried out, which helped in understanding the scope and nature of the data accessed. Although there is no evidence that the information has been misused, Valley Oaks Health has taken this issue seriously and is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

Information Exposed

The data accessed during this incident included:

• Full names
• Social Security numbers

This exposure puts affected individuals at risk of identity theft and fraud, which is why immediate protective measures are crucial.

Response and Consumer Notification

Valley Oaks Health has begun notifying affected individuals through written communication as of March 18, 2024. They have also reported the breach to the Attorney General's office in Maine, as evidenced by the disclosure on the Maine Attorney General's website.

Steps for Affected Individuals

• Enroll in Complimentary Credit Monitoring: Valley Oaks Health is offering affected individuals a complimentary one-year membership of identity theft protection services through IDX. This includes credit and CyberScan monitoring, a $1,000,000 insurance reimbursement policy, and fully managed ID theft recovery services. Enroll using the provided enrollment code by June 18, 2024.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. If you spot anything suspicious, report it immediately to the relevant financial institution.
• Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files, which makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place an alert:
• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

• Consider a Security Freeze: A security freeze prevents credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. You can request a freeze by contacting the credit bureaus directly.
• Obtain a Free Credit Report: You are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the major credit reporting companies. Request your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information or assistance, affected individuals can contact IDX with any questions about the breach and how to protect themselves. It is also advisable to stay informed about identity theft by visiting the Federal Trade Commission's website at FTC Identity Theft.