A data breach is a loss involving theft, accidental release or accidental publication of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI). It includes social security numbers, bank account, credit or debit numbers, driver’s license numbers, PIN numbers, medical diagnosis, patient history and medications and other private information defined by state or federal law. Data breaches can occur in various ways: Unauthorized access, such as by former employees, vendors or hackers. Stolen or lost paper files, or shipped documents failing to arrive at their proper destination. Mailing, faxing or emailing documents with one person’s PII to the wrong person. Computer system hacked by virus, Trojan horse or improper security. Stolen or lost laptop, computer disks, USB flash drives, portable hard …
