The Daily Think

Sharp Healthcare is a leading healthcare organization that suffered a major data breach in 2021, affecting over 500,000 patients. The breach exposed sensitive information such as names, addresses, birth dates, and Social Security numbers, leaving patients at a high risk of identity theft and financial fraud.

Well it happened again as Sharp was breached again to the tune of 63,000 patients records. Oddly enough this time it was due to a breach involving patients who paid their bills. Is it too much to ask for Sharp Medical to be more sharper with their IT infrastructure and protect their patients?

Data breaches like this are becoming increasingly common, as cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to penetrate the systems of organizations that hold sensitive information. In order to protect yourself from a similar fate, it is important to take steps to secure your personal information.

Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself:

1. Use strong passwords: Create strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts, and use a password manager to keep track of them.
2. Be cautious when sharing personal information online: Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and online forms, and be wary of emails or messages that ask for sensitive information.
3. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, which adds an extra layer of security to your login process.
4. Keep your software up-to-date: Regularly update your software, including your operating system and any applications, to ensure that you have the latest security patches and features.
5. Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized transactions or changes to your contact information.
6. Use antivirus software: Install and regularly update antivirus software on your devices to help protect against malware and other malicious software.

The Sharp Healthcare data breach is a reminder that even the most well-respected organizations can fall victim to cyberattacks. By taking steps to protect your personal information and being vigilant, you can help reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a similar breach. Stay safe online!