#United States #Cybersecurity #Data Breach #Community Hospital #Anaconda, Montana

Community Hospital of Anaconda Alerts on Data Security Incident

In the wake of a concerning data security incident, the Community Hospital of Anaconda (CHA) is reaching out to affected individuals regarding a potential breach of personal and protected health information. On May 19, 2025, CHA started notifying those individuals who may have been impacted by the security event, emphasizing its commitment to data privacy and security.

Details of the Incident

The incident came to light on August 12, 2024, when CHA observed anomalous activities disrupting access to several IT systems. This unexpected disruption prompted immediate action to secure the hospital's digital infrastructure. Recognizing the possible severity of the situation, CHA enlisted the help of leading cybersecurity professionals to investigate the breach. Their objective was to assess the extent of unauthorized access and to verify whether personal and protected health information was compromised during this intrusion.

According to the investigation findings, an undetermined actor potentially gained access to the CHA network and acquired certain sensitive data between August 10 and August 12, 2024. Following this alarming discovery, CHA worked diligently alongside cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough analysis of the affected information, culminating in the identification of individuals whose data may have been compromised by May 2025.

Information That May Have Been Compromised

The compromised data varies by individual but could potentially include:

• - Dates of birth
• - Social Security numbers
• - Driver’s license or state identification numbers
• - U.S. military identification numbers
• - Passport numbers
• - Financial account details
• - Patient account numbers
• - Medical record numbers
• - Medicare and Medicaid numbers
• - Treatment information
• - Health insurance data

CHA understands the critical importance of this information and the concerns that may arise from such incidents. Therefore, it is dedicated to providing necessary resources and support to impacted individuals.

Steps Taken by Community Hospital of Anaconda

To address these vulnerabilities and prevent future occurrences, CHA has implemented several key measures. They are enhancing their cybersecurity protocols, conducting rigorous training for their staff, and monitoring their systems more closely to detect any unusual activity promptly. Furthermore, CHA has established a dedicated toll-free call center, designed to answer inquiries regarding the incident and assist with any related concerns. Representatives at the call center are available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Mountain Time on weekdays, providing support to those seeking information or clarification.

The hotline can be reached at 1-877-674-2894, where individuals can inquire about the steps they should take to protect their personal information moving forward.

Conclusion

Data privacy is pivotal in healthcare, where the trust of patients hinges upon the secure handling of their personal information. Community Hospital of Anaconda is making every effort to rectify this situation and foster an environment of safety and trust. By keeping the lines of communication open and providing resources for affected individuals, CHA is working diligently to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. As cybersecurity continues to be a significant concern in today's digital age, the hospital's proactive stance and transparent communication reflect its dedication to patient care and integrity.