We value and respect the privacy of information in our care, which is why we are providing notice about a network data security incident, our response, and steps individuals may take should they feel it is appropriate.
On July 31, 2024, we identified evidence of suspicious activity on our network. In response, we immediately took steps to confirm the security of our network and determine what occurred. During our review of this matter, we identified that files on our computer network were copied without permission between July 27 and 31. The files included information used for the operation of Bayhealth facilities. The files may include Social Security numbers, medical information related to the provision of healthcare, and health insurance information.
Bayhealth has begun providing notice to the individuals involved and will continue to do so as its data review process continues.
If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 866-306-2184 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays.
Individuals may consider remaining vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing their account statements and monitoring their free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We recommend individuals review the “Steps Individuals Can Take To Protect Personal Information” section below.
We are committed to maintaining the security of information in our care.
If individuals have questions about this matter, please contact our toll-free assistance line at 866-306-2184 or write to us at Bayhealth Medical Center, 100 Wellness Way, Milford, DE 19963 Atten: Mail Code 2340.
Steps Individuals Can Take to Protect Personal Information
Monitor Relevant Accounts
Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.
Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.
As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:
- Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
- Social Security number;
- Date of birth;
- Addresses for the prior two to five years;
- Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
- A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
- A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.
Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:
Equifax—www.equifax.com; 1-888-298-0045; and P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788
Experian—www.experian.com; 1-888-397-3742; and P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion—www.transunion.com; 1-800-916-8800; and P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094
Additional Information
Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state Attorney General.