Since HHS has been revamping their breach tool, I’ve had a tough time figuring out what’s newly added or what I’ve missed. One incident, caught my eye, however, and I was able to find the covered entity’s notice of the breach.
An undated notice* linked from Aspire Indiana, Inc.‘s home page explains:
Aspire Indiana, Inc. Notifies Individuals of Possible Data Disclosure
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. – Aspire Indiana, Inc., a private behavioral and mental health nonprofit organization, recently discovered that the theft of several of laptops from its administrative offices in Noblesville may have resulted in the limited disclosure of personal information for some of its employees and clients.
While there is no evidence that suggests any of the information has been misused, Aspire officials have arranged for identity protection services through ID Experts for the affected individuals. On Nov. 7, 2014, unidentified individuals broke into Aspire’s administrative offices and stole several laptops. In addition to notifying law enforcement of the theft, Aspire immediately began an investigation by engaging independent data forensic experts to determine whether any personal information was contained on the laptops.
While the investigation is ongoing, company officials have determined that e-mails stored on the stolen laptops may have contained personal information, such as names, addresses, and Social Security numbers for employees and a limited number of clients. Clients’ medical record number and limited personal health information used for internal business purposes may also have been contained on the laptops. The laptops did not include any electronic medical health records, which remain secure.
The organization has provided written notification to approximately 45,030 individuals, of which approximately 1,548 had their Social Security number exposed. Individuals with questions and concerns can contact a toll-free call center at 877-835-1653, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST. As an added precaution, Aspire is offering potentially affected individuals identity protection services through ID Experts.
“Our organization is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of the personal information in our control, and we sincerely regret this incident occurred,” Aspire President and CEO Rich DeHaven said “We have taken steps to enhance our security, including upgrading our alarm and security systems. We remain committed to continually improving our IT and physical security to further protect our data and our clients.”
* The file’s metadata indicates a Jan. 6th creation date.