Clinic Employee Learns That Traveling Increases Data Theft Risk - Olmec Skip to main content

Clinic Employee Learns That Traveling Increases Data Theft Risk

By July 24, 2018June 3rd, 2022Cybersecurity

On May 14th, the Billings Clinic in Montana issued a breach notification statement, which explained that they detected unusual activity within one of its employee’s email accounts.

The employee in question was traveling overseas on a medical mission when the email account was compromised.

“As a result of the forensics investigation, we learned that an unauthorized individual had access to emails and attachments within that one account, some of which included patient information.”

As for scope and scale, information on more than 8,400 individuals was exposed.  While the data varied from one patient to the next, the data included patient names, dates of birth, contact information, medical record numbers, internal financial control numbers, diagnoses, and some information about medical services received.

The incident highlights a common, but often overlooked problem.

As analyst Rebecca Herold explains:

“It is very common for data and devices to be hacked while traveling and for those who were hacked to not even realize it.  People are often unaware of what is going on around them when they are travelling.  They are using any charger station they can find, they speak loudly, and they use free Wi-Fi.

Shoulder surfing is also still very common; it’s a decades-old tactic that still works effectively today.  The skimmers on charging stations are increasing in use.  Don’t think that if you are in a frequent flyer lounge that these things do not happen there; they happen in those exclusive lounge areas possibly more than in other places.”

The bottom line is, any time your employees are away from your office, the risks of hacking increase.  While there are no simple solutions, it bears making your employees aware of the added risks any time they’re travelling.  It’s far from a perfect solution, but it’s a good place to start.

Chris Forte

Chris Forte, President and CEO of Olmec Systems, has been in the MSP workspace for the past 25 years. Chris earned his Master’s Degree from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He was a past member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a current member of the New Jersey Power Partners and Executive Association of New Jersey, where he has previously served on its board of directors. In his spare time, Chris enjoys traveling with his family. He also admits to being a struggling golfer and avid watcher of college football and basketball. He currently lives in Boonton Township, NJ with his wife, two daughters, son, and black lab Luna.