Lubbock-Area Veterans Among Thousands Affected by VA Data Breach

More than 1,000 veterans in the Amarillo VA Healthcare System were potentially impacted by a cybersecurity breach involving a contractor’s server, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) announced Friday.A server managed by DBP, Inc., a contracted medical transcription vendor, was breached, compromising transcribed documents that included veterans' names, medical records, and Social Security numbers.

The Amarillo system, encompassing the Thomas E. Creek Medical Center along with various outpatient clinics, represented almost fifty percent of the 2,302 veterans impacted across the country.The investigation by the VHA indicated that, although VA electronic health records were secure, the server was encrypted and may have been accessed by an unauthorized individual.

The vendor swiftly shut down the server, disconnected it from the internet, and put in place more robust security measures, which included new hardware and improved controls.The breach also impacted additional facilities, such as the VA Minneapolis Healthcare System, affecting 616 veterans.

Impacted veterans are being notified via Privacy Notification Letters detailing the compromised information and providing support resources.Veterans with concerns are encouraged to call 1-844-838-5433 during business hours. Local Privacy Officers will provide a response within two business days.

The VHA emphasized its commitment to protecting veterans’ data and is working closely with the vendor to prevent future incidents. This breach underscores the persistent difficulties in cybersecurity when it comes to protecting sensitive information.