As Quest Diagnostics experiences major data breach, Alvernia professor offers cyber safety tips - WFMZ.com

Quest Diagnostics, a clinical laboratory company, is experiencing a major data breach, putting customers' personal data at risk. The company discovered "unauthorized access" to its lab services platform, where clients can place test orders and see their results.

Quest Diagnostics believes certain patient records were accessed in the breach, though the specific number of affected individuals remains unknown.

Medical data value

Medical data is extremely valuable to hackers due to the comprehensive information healthcare providers collect. "The healthcare industry collects so much data — that makes them a gigantic target because they have everything on you," explained Robuck.

Once data is accessed, recovery options are limited. Robuck noted that "there's not a whole lot you can do about it" once information is compromised, suggesting the best protection is to limit where personal data is shared.

Protection measures

Robuck recommended several protective measures for concerned individuals. Those who believe their data may have been stolen should check their credit reports for unfamiliar activity and consider identity theft insurance.

People should also be wary of fake calls and messages impersonating legitimate companies or government agencies. "They're not going to email you and say, 'Click on this so that we can fix your computer,'" Robuck emphasized.

With cyberattacks on the rise, staying vigilant remains the best defense. Robuck advised that while patients shouldn't avoid necessary healthcare providers, they should be mindful that "every place you put it is another risk."