Protected health information of roughly 34,000 people who use Quest Diagnostics’ online patient portal is now compromised.
“That’s really unfortunate,” Kansas City native Cierra Marzett said. “Especially when you have a lot of confidence in the system and you don’t want that type of information out there.”
Quest Diagnostics stated a third party accessed the company’s online app, one that’s used by more than 4 million people nationwide.
“I know health is pretty personal to a lot of people, especially lab reports and different things like that, so that’s really unfortunate that happened," Marzett said.
Quest Diagnostics, based in New Jersey, has centers all throughout the country. Kansas City has 12 of them.
Leaders with the company told 41 Action News that none of the local patient centers were compromised, only patients who used the online portal.
Technology expert Burton Kelso said this breach is something people need to be very cognizant of.
“It’s a big deal because the sole purpose of this data breach from Quest Diagnostics was to obtain consumer data, which hackers will use to build a profile in order to commit identity theft," Kelso said.
Names, dates of birth, lab results and, in some cases, telephone numbers were compromised.
“We’re in what’s called or what’s to be considered the code wars because you’ve got hackers that are attacking government facilities and trying to get information in order to steal identities and of course make a profit,” Kelso said.
In Missouri, 717 people were affected by this data breach. In Kansas, 184 people were impacted.
Kelso said make sure you’re conscious of what you’re sharing.
“If it’s an app, say for smart phone, they just need basic information, such as your name and maybe your email address,” he said. “But unfortunately in the medical industry, you have to give out that social security number in order for them to keep track of your record.”
Leaders with the company say this is a very serious issue that’s being taken seriously.
Right now, the company is working with a cyber security firm to investigate the incident.
Quest Diagnostics mailed letters to the people who have had their information compromised.
If you do use the online app and have questions or concerns, the company does have a toll-free number set up.
The number is 888-320-9970, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Rae Daniel can be reached at Rae.Daniel@KSHB.com.
