Personal Information of Thousands in Eastern and Labrador-Grenfell Health Compromised in Cyberattack - VOCM

Provincial officials have confirmed a major privacy breach affecting both patients and staff at at least two regional health authorities – Eastern Health and Labrador-Grenfell Health.

Premier Andrew Furey made the announcement this afternoon.

The breach has been confirmed as a result of the ongoing investigation into a major cyber attack that has paralyzed the health care system.

As of right now, the personal information of both patients and staff at Eastern Health and Labrador Grenfell Health is involved. Western Health appears to be unaffected, while the investigation into whether the privacy breach affects Central Health is underway.

The banking information of staff is not believed to be part of the security breach.

Information at risk includes names, addresses, MCP numbers and other information provided when checking into a hospital in Eastern Health over the last 14 years and Labrador-Grenfell Health in the last nine years.

Health Minister John Haggie outlined some of the information accessed.

Employee information may include names, addresses, contact information and social insurance numbers. There is no evidence to suggest that banking information is involved says Haggie. Patient information includes all the types of information gathered on registration including names, addresses, MCP number, phone number, birth date and marital status. There is no evidence to suggest that vendor information has been obtained.

There is no evidence to suggest that any of the personal information accessed has been misused.

The exact number of people affected is not yet known, but officials will be issuing a public notification regarding strong passwords and other online precautions to take.

Service Canada advises taking the following steps if you believe your social insurance number is being used fraudulently:

• File a complaint with the police. Ask for the case reference number and the officer’s name and telephone number. If you choose to obtain a copy of the police report, make sure it states your name and SIN.
• Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. The national anti-fraud call centre is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Competition Bureau Canada. They provide advice and assistance about identity theft.
• Call Canada’s two national credit bureaus. Ask for a copy of your credit report. Review it for any suspicious activity. Also check to see if your credit file should be flagged (fees may be applicable). To obtain additional information regarding fees and other requirements, please contact: Equifax: 1-800-465-7166 and TransUnion: 1-800-663-9980.
• Inform your bank and creditors by phone and in writing about any irregularities.
• Report any irregularities in your mail delivery to Canada Post, for example, opened envelopes, missing financial statements or documents.
• Visit a Service Canada office and bring all the necessary documents with you proving fraud or misuse of your SIN. Also bring an original identity document (your birth certificate, or immigration or citizenship document). One of our officials will review your information and provide you with assistance and guidance.

A provincial call centre will be up and running at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. The number to call at that time is 1-833-718-3021. More information can be found here.

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Personal Information of Thousands in Eastern and Labrador-Grenfell Health Compromised in Cyberattack - VOCM
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