Data Breach Summary
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, has disclosed a data security breach that potentially compromised the personal information of its patients. The announcement, made through a filing with the Vermont Attorney General’s office, provide details on the circumstances leading up to the breach.
Individuals associated with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, are advised to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their personal information. Monitoring financial statements, changing passwords, and being cautious of phishing attempts are recommended steps to protect against potential misuse of compromised data. To learn more about how to protect yourself after such incidents, explore this resource on how to respond to a data breach incident and understand the steps you can take.
On April 17, 2023, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care discovered it was the target of a cybersecurity ransomware attack that affected systems used to serve members, accounts, brokers, and providers. Upon detecting unauthorized access, the company took its systems offline to contain the threat and engaged law enforcement, regulators, and third-party cybersecurity experts to investigate and mitigate the breach. After conducting extensive system reviews, Harvard Pilgrim resumed normal operations.
The investigation revealed that data was copied and taken from company systems between March 28, 2023, and April 17, 2023. On December 30, 2024, it was determined that the compromised files contained personal and/or protected health information of affected individuals.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has been reporting affected individuals in phases to the Maine Attorney General’s Office. The number of impacted individuals, including Maine residents, has increased over time:
To help alleviate concerns and restore trust, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is offering complimentary access to IDX. IDX, a global leader in risk mitigation and response, provides services such as:
The breached data may include personal information such as:
If you received a data breach notification from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, your personal information may have been compromised. While most victims are officially informed via a ‘‘notice of data breach” in the mail, the consequences—such as fraudulent transactions and identity theft—can begin long before you receive the notice.
Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Scammers may try to take advantage of the data breach by posing as Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Be wary of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal information. When in doubt, verify any communication directly with the company through official channels.
Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts to catch suspicious activity early. Take advantage of free credit reports and review them carefully for unfamiliar accounts or discrepancies.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
For added protection, request a credit freeze from all three major credit bureaus. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name while still allowing you to use your existing credit. If you need to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze when necessary.
Class Action U, in partnership with KO Lawyers, is supporting individuals impacted by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care data breach. If your information was exposed in this breach, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.
Class action lawsuits allow individuals affected by large-scale data breaches like the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, incident to come together and pursue compensation collectively. These lawsuits can provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to hold companies accountable for failing to protect personal information. Learn how joining a class action lawsuit can potentially help you to seek compensation for:
A successful case could also compel Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, to improve its security measures and prevent future breaches. Reach out to Class Action U today to determine your eligibility for a data breach class action lawsuit and the compensation that may be available to you.
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