Missouri practice computer theft impacts 10K

A Missouri orthodontics practice has notified 10,000 patients and their parents about the theft of two desktop computers and an external hard drive.

A burglary at Olson & White Orthodontics in Florissant occurred on July 22.  Protected health information on the equipment included patient names, addresses, medical images and diagnoses, as well as parents’ names, Social Security numbers, email addresses and credit scores, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

The practice has a frequently asked questions section on its website which says that despite their "physical security measures, which included reinforced locks and a monitored alarm system, a break-in occurred and thieves stole both computer hardware and other electronics. Because the police are continuing to investigate, we are unable to comment further."

The practice also said that more extensive security measures are underway. "While we can't go into exact detail on additional measures we are taking because doing so might compromise those measures, we have re-evaluated and further strengthened our physical, technical and administrative security. We have increased physical security, for example, by further strengthening security at the office access points, and physically securing our computers. We have worked with our information technology consultant and our software providers to identify and implement additional technical safeguards. Finally, we are providing additional security training for our staff, and are further tightening our office procedures."