EMSA Notifies Patients Of Recent Network Hack

The Emergency Medical Services Authority announced Friday it experienced a cyberattack that they say has compromised sensitive data. The attack has raised some concerns about the security of emergency medical services.

Dr. Tyler Moore is a professor of cyber studies at the University of Tulsa who spends some of his free time browsing an online breach portal. He says it's likely EMSA could soon be added to this list.

“There is a significant risk of any organization operating today that has personal information," he said.

EMSA says around mid-February, hackers gained unauthorized access to its systems, exposing patient’s personal information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and, in some cases, social security numbers.

Dr. Moore says it's likely the hacker could pass along the information to someone who specializes in identity theft.

“Someone's going to take your name and social security and file for new credit cards, new loans in your name, so that they can make a profit,” he said. 

He says this is not a ransomware attack like the one Hillcrest Healthcare System experienced earlier this year, since EMSA remained operational.

EMSA is offering credit monitoring to patients whose social security numbers were hacked, but Dr. Moore says the best defense is freezing your credit altogether.

“Even if somebody has your name and social security number, they cannot take out new credit in your name,” he said. 

EMSA has declined an interview, but they did say they have implemented and will continue to adopt additional safeguards to further protect and monitor their systems. Dr. Moore says that protection is key.

EMSA has not said how many people were impacted by the attack. Those with questions can call their hotline at 866-495-7098 during business hours.

To view the full EMSA release, CLICK HERE.