The following email was published by The Oak Ridger after it was sent to them by NHC Oak Ridge administration:
Officials at NHC Oak Ridge, 300 Laboratory Road, have reported a possible breach of patient information due to a missing backup tape that wasn’t encrypted. The information on this tape included patient names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, home addresses and medical information.
The facility has begun an immediate investigation of the incident and security measures have been revised to prevent future incidents of this nature.
“While we believe there is low risk of this information being used inappropriately, we understand any concern of possible unauthorized use of personal information,” Tambornini stated.
If you have any questions regarding this incident, you may contact NHC Oak Ridge by using the toll-free number 1-888-568-8578. When using the toll-free number, please indicate that you are calling in regards to the breach of information that occurred at NHC Oak Ridge.
Why companies do not employ encryption is unfathomable. Encryption would have eliminated reporting of this event and protected the data.