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Kettering Health Under Fire: Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Over Data Breach

A major data breach at Kettering Health has triggered a class-action lawsuit, raising serious concerns about the security of patient information. Led by attorneys Michael Wright and Richard Schulte of Wright and Schulte, the lawsuit alleges that the healthcare network failed to adequately protect sensitive data, leaving hundreds of thousands of individuals vulnerable to potential harm.

The Breach Details: A Ransomware Attack

The incident began on May 20th when the ransomware group known as Interlock infiltrated Kettering Health's systems. According to the lawsuit, Interlock successfully exfiltrated over 730,000 files, spanning more than 20,000 folders. This massive data haul reportedly includes a wide range of personal and medical information, potentially impacting a significant portion of Kettering Health's patient population.

What Kind of Data Was Compromised?

While the full extent of the compromised data is still being investigated, it's believed to include names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers (or equivalent), medical records, insurance information, and potentially other sensitive details. The potential for identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities is substantial.

Lawsuit Claims and Potential Damages

The class-action lawsuit accuses Kettering Health of negligence in its data security practices. Plaintiffs allege that the healthcare network failed to implement reasonable safeguards to prevent such a breach, despite knowing the risks associated with ransomware attacks. The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of affected individuals, aiming to compensate them for financial losses, emotional distress, and the cost of identity theft protection services.

Kettering Health's Response

Kettering Health has acknowledged the data breach and stated that it is working to contain the incident and notify affected individuals. They have also engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate the breach and strengthen their security measures. However, the lawsuit argues that these actions are insufficient to address the harm already caused.

What Should Patients Do?

If you are a patient of Kettering Health, it's crucial to take the following steps:

• Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
• Be Vigilant Against Phishing Scams: Be wary of suspicious emails or phone calls requesting personal information.
• Consider Identity Theft Protection: Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service to monitor your personal information and alert you to potential fraud.
• Review Kettering Health's Notifications: Pay close attention to any communications from Kettering Health regarding the breach and follow their recommended steps.

This class-action lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data security in the healthcare industry. As cyberattacks continue to escalate, healthcare providers must prioritize the protection of patient information to maintain trust and comply with legal obligations.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. If you have been affected by the Kettering Health data breach, consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.