Community Health Systems reported in its most recent federal filing that nearly 4.5 million patient records were stolen by hackers who are believed to hail from China.
The hackers reportedly used “sophisticated malware” to hit the company’s security systems and then copy and transfer the patient data, the company reported, to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Fox News reported.
Community Health Systems, which operates 206 hospitals in 29 states, said it’s tasked the cybersecurity firm Mandiant to look into the hacking.
It’s believed the hack took place in April and June, Fox News reported.
The hacked information “does not include patient credit card, medical or clinical information,” Community Health Systems reported, Fox News said. At the same time, the information that was stolen is still protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, HIPAA, and is therefore deemed sensitive and private.
The company’s notified victims already, Fox News said.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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