Texas Spine Consultants Data Breach Affects 7,428 Texans

Recently, Texas Spine Consultants, a renowned orthopedic spine surgery practice based in Addison and Plano, Texas, experienced a significant data breach. This breach was officially disclosed to the Texas Attorney General's office and has affected 7,424 residents of Texas and 4 in Massachusetts.

The breach exposed sensitive consumer information, including:

• Medical Records
• Names of individuals
• Addresses
• Social Security Numbers
• Medical Information
• Health Insurance Information
• Dates of Birth

The breach was publicly disclosed on October 11, 2024, although it was reported to the authorities earlier. The specific method by which the data was stolen has not been detailed in the available information. However, the exposure of such a wide array of sensitive data indicates a serious breach of security protocols at Texas Spine Consultants.

In response to the data breach, Texas Spine Consultants has taken several steps to notify affected individuals. They have utilized multiple methods to ensure that the notification reaches everyone impacted. These methods include notice by publication in print media, posting on the company website or a special website, and direct notifications via U.S. Mail.

Steps to take if you are affected by the data breach

If you have been affected by this data breach, it is important to take immediate action to protect your personal information. Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank, credit card, and insurance statements for any unusual activity.
2. Credit Monitoring: Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service to receive alerts about any changes to your credit report.
3. Fraud Alerts: Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax). This makes it harder for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
4. Review Medical Records: Since medical information was exposed, review your medical records for any discrepancies or unfamiliar entries.
5. Secure Personal Information: Change passwords and security questions for online accounts, especially those related to financial or medical services.
6. Contact Authorities: If you notice any signs of identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider filing a police report.

For more details, you can view the disclosure on the Texas Attorney General's website and the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.