It could be malicious hacking in search of sensitive health information. It could be careless handling of a laptop containing data from a doctor's office. It could be a hospital insider or savvy outsider using patient information to fraudulently obtain medical care or prescription drugs.
In March alone, more than 1.5 million patient records were affected in 39 separate breach incidents, according to the Protenus Breach Barometer, a monthly report of data breaches affecting the health care industry. Unfortunately, data breaches are on the rise, and patients have limited power to protect their right to privacy.
