Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, P.A. Data Breach

What Happened?

On October 13, 2023, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, P.A. (CTVS) detected suspicious activities in their systems which prompted an immediate investigation to ascertain the nature and extent of the breach. The investigation revealed that an unauthorized actor had accessed and possibly extracted data from their systems between October 12, 2023, and October 13, 2023. By January 22, 2024, the comprehensive review of the impacted files was completed, identifying the individuals whose personal information might have been compromised.

The data accessed includes sensitive personal information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial details, medical and health insurance information, and dates of birth. This breach has affected approximately 2,263 individuals, including residents of Texas and one individual from Maine.

Immediate Response and Consumer Notification

Upon discovery, CTVS notified federal law enforcement and are cooperating with ongoing investigations. To inform affected individuals, CTVS began sending out written notifications via U.S. Mail starting February 16, 2024, detailing the nature of the breach and the specific types of information that were involved.

Measures Taken by CTVS

To prevent future incidents, CTVS has enhanced their security measures and is implementing additional safeguards and employee training focused on data security. They are also offering complimentary credit monitoring services through TransUnion for 12 months to help protect the affected individuals from potential identity theft and fraud. This service includes alerts of changes to your credit file, providing early detection of potential misuse of your information.

Steps You Can Take

If you believe your information has been affected, it is crucial to remain vigilant by monitoring your account statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity. You are entitled to a free credit report annually from each of the major credit reporting bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can order your free report via AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Consider placing a fraud alert or a credit freeze on your credit reports. A fraud alert makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name, while a credit freeze restricts access to your credit report. Instructions for placing a fraud alert or freeze can be found on the websites of the major credit bureaus:

• Equifax
• Experian
• TransUnion

Additionally, you may want to enroll in the credit monitoring service offered by CTVS. To enroll, visit Identity Force and use the unique code provided in your notification letter.

For More Information

If you have further questions or need assistance, you can contact the dedicated assistance line provided by CTVS at 833-791-2491, available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

By taking these steps, you can help safeguard your personal information and respond effectively to potential signs of fraud.