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Forward Health Data Breach Investigation
Shamis & Gentile P.A., one of the nation's premier class action law firms specializing in data breach cases, is investigating the Forward, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases data breach.
If you were affected by the data breach, your sensitive personally identifiable information may have been exposed, and you may be eligible for compensation.
About Forward, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases
Forward, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, is the largest patient-reported research databank for rheumatic disorders in the United States. Founded in 1998 by Dr. Frederick Wolfe, Forward operates as an independent, non-profit research organization under the Arthritis Research Center Foundation Inc. in Wichita, Kansas.
Forward gathers long-term, real-world data directly from patients who live with rheumatic conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other disorders treated by rheumatologists.
What happened?
On March 21, Forward detected suspicious activity on its network and quickly launched an investigation with third-party cybersecurity experts. It was determined that there was unauthorized access to Forward’s network between March 17 and March 22, 2025.
During this time, certain files and folders were potentially viewed or taken without authorization.
A thorough review revealed that sensitive information belonging to individuals who participated in rheumatic disease studies may have been exposed. Forward completed its review and began notifying affected individuals on July 22, 2025.
Information Exposed:
- Names
- Contact information
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Medical information or history
- Disability information
- Mental and physical treatment information
- Diagnoses
- Prescription information
- Treating/referring physicians
- Medical record numbers
Written notices were sent to affected individuals, including at least 38 residents of Maine and 23 of New Hampshire. Forward is offering 24 months of free credit monitoring to those affected.
Your Rights and Next Steps
If you received a notice from Forward or believe your information may have been involved, it is important to take action. Lawyers are ready to help those affected by this breach understand their rights and options.
Affected individuals are encouraged to:
- Remain vigilant by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity or errors
- Take advantage of the 24 months of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services offered by Forward through Cyberscout, a TransUnion company
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on credit files if concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert is free and lasts one year, while a credit freeze restricts access to credit reports and can be placed or lifted at no charge
- Report any suspected incidents of identity theft or fraud to law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission or their state attorney general
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If your information was compromised in the Forward data breach, you may be eligible for compensation. Lawyers are investigating potential claims on behalf of those affected.
Completing the below form is the first step in joining a lawsuit and protecting your rights.
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