Perry Johnson & Associates (PJ&A), a trusted transcription services provider, filed a notice of a data breach that extends its tendrils across multiple companies, with Northwell Health emerging as a prominent victim. The breach, discovered on May 2, 2023, unraveled a disconcerting narrative of unauthorized access to sensitive data, encompassing the personal and medical details of countless individuals.

This breach, a perilous intersection of technology and healthcare, bears significant consequences for those entwined in its web. Names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, medical record numbers, hospital account numbers, admission diagnoses, and dates and times of service—all laid bare to an unauthorized party between March 27 and May 2, 2023. The compromised intricate web of information poses a tangible threat to the affected individuals, particularly the patients under the care of Northwell Health.

Join us in exploring the heart of the PJ&A / Northwell Health Data Breach, where the fusion of technology, healthcare, and security takes center stage in a narrative with profound implications for individuals and institutions alike.

PJ&A / Northwell Health data breach saga explained

The Northwell Health data breach, facilitated through a third-party vendor, Perry Johnson & Associates (PJ&A), unfolded due to unauthorized access to PJ&A’s computer network. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Northwell Health data breach saga:

• Detection by PJ&A: On May 2, 2023, PJ&A, a transcription services company based in Henderson, Nevada, identified a potential cyber incident within its computer network. This event triggered an immediate response to assess and mitigate the situation.
• Unauthorized network access: Between March 27, 2023, and May 2, 2023, an unauthorized party gained access to PJ&A’s IT network. Northwell Health data breach saga allowed the intruder to obtain sensitive information stored within the system.
• Extensive personal information: The breached data encompasses a wealth of personal details, including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, medical record numbers, hospital account numbers, admission diagnoses, and dates and times of service. This extensive dataset poses a significant risk to individuals affected.
• Collaborative investigation: In response to the breach, PJ&A initiated an investigation in collaboration with third-party cybersecurity specialists. The aim was to determine the extent of the unauthorized access and identify the specific data compromised.
• Confirmation by Northwell Health: While PJ&A’s notification letter did not explicitly mention Northwell Health patients, the healthcare provider confirmed the connection on its official website. This confirmation solidified the link between the breach and Northwell Health, implicating the sensitive medical and personal information of the institution’s patients.
• Data breach letters: PJ&A, upon completing its investigation, took the necessary step of notifying individuals whose information was compromised. On October 31, 2023, data breach notification letters were sent out to affected parties. These letters provide a detailed account of the specific information that was exposed during the security incident.
• Increased risk for patients: Northwell Health patients are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and potential fraudulent activities due to the exposure of their comprehensive medical and personal information. The breach raises concerns about the security measures in place to protect patient data.
• Perry Johnson & Associates (PJ&A): PJ&A, headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, specializes in providing transcription services primarily in the medical, legal, and government sectors. Operating since 2015, PJ&A is the largest privately held transcription company in the United States, employing over 77 people and generating approximately $16 million in annual revenue.
• Northwell Health: A prominent healthcare provider based in New Hyde Park, New York, Northwell Health, formerly known as North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, boasts 23 hospitals and over 700 outpatient facilities. With a massive workforce exceeding 83,000 employees, the institution generates an annual revenue of around $12 billion.

The Northwell Health data breach underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in an era where sensitive personal and medical information is increasingly targeted. The aftermath necessitates heightened vigilance among affected individuals and raises broader questions about the security protocols in place within healthcare institutions and their third-party service providers. As the investigation unfolds, further insights into the scope and ramifications of the breach are expected to emerge.

Featured image credit: Northwell Health 

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