Michigan Medicine announces possible health info breach

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan Medicine has announced “approximately 56,953 individuals” private health information may have been compromised — although none of the patients at U of M Sparrow Health were impacted officials said.

In a news release from Michigan Medicine, officials report a breach of three employee emails may have led to the compromise of personal health information.

“Three Michigan Medicine employee email accounts were compromised due to a cyberattack. The events occurred on May 23 and May 29, 2024. The accounts were disabled as soon as possible so no further access could take place,” Michigan Medicine wrote in its news release.

Michigan Medicine announced a review of the emails involved did not appear to be a targeted attack to obtain personal health information. The agency reported four of the accounts may have had a social security number revealed.

“Michigan Medicine immediately took steps to investigate this matter, once alerted to the possibility of patient data being exposed. We constantly monitor for cyberattacks such as these because patient privacy is so extremely important to us,” said Jeanne Strickland, Michigan Medicine Chief Compliance Officer. “We currently have multiple safeguards in place to reduce risk to our patients and prevent recurrence but will examine this incident thoroughly to determine if new or additional measures are needed.”

Notices were mailed to the affected patients and/or guarantors or their personal representatives starting July 19, 2024. Those concerned about the breach who do not receive a letter may call the toll-free Michigan Medicine Assistance Line: 1-888-409-7484. Calls will be answered Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm (Eastern Time), Michigan Medicine reported in the news release.

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