A recent data breach at DM Clinical Research exposed over 1.6 million medical and personal records due to an unprotected database. Incidents like this highlight the risks of sharing sensitive information with organizations. If you’re worried about your medical and personal privacy, here are steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce potential harm.
1. Review Your Medical and Personal Records
If your data has been exposed, check your medical records for any unauthorized changes. Request copies from your healthcare providers and review them for any errors. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the provider immediately to correct them.
2. Stay Alert for Identity Theft and Fraud
Medical identity theft can occur if someone uses your personal details to obtain medical care, prescriptions, or insurance benefits in your name. Watch out for unfamiliar medical bills, insurance claims, or collection notices. If you receive a bill for services you didn’t use, report it to your healthcare provider and insurance company right away.
3. Freeze Your Credit for Extra Protection
Even though this breach mainly involved medical information, personal details like names, birthdates, and contact information can be misused for identity theft. Consider freezing your credit with major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent fraudsters from opening accounts in your name. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report as a precaution.
4. Strengthen Your Online Security
If your email or phone number was exposed, update your passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for key accounts, especially healthcare and financial services. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms and consider using a password manager to keep your credentials secure.
5. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals often use stolen data for phishing attempts. Be wary of suspicious emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for personal or medical information. Verify the legitimacy of any request by contacting the organization directly instead of responding to unexpected messages.
6. Understand Your Privacy Rights
In the U.S., HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects personal health information. If you suspect your medical data has been mishandled, you have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Knowing your rights can help you take action if your privacy is violated.
7. Request Data Deletion or Restriction
Many companies store personal data longer than necessary. If you’re concerned about how your information is handled, check if you can request its deletion or limit how it is used. Some privacy laws, such as GDPR in Europe or state laws in the U.S., allow individuals to ask companies to remove their data.
8. Stay Informed About Data Breaches
Sign up for breach monitoring services such as Have I Been Pwned or alerts from your bank and healthcare provider. Being notified of data breaches involving your information allows you to take quick action to protect yourself.
Take Control of Your Privacy
Data breaches are a growing concern, especially when they involve medical information. However, by staying vigilant, monitoring your records, and securing your personal data, you can reduce the risks associated with these incidents. If you believe your information has been exposed, act quickly to prevent identity theft and ensure your privacy remains protected.
