Health Department warning: Hackers strike

Personal info at risk, warning letters sent

The Michigan Department of Community Health has sent warning letters to thousands of people about hackers possibly having access to their personal information.

Spokeswoman Angela Minicuci says the department shared results of cancer testing with the Michigan Cancer Consortium on a password-protected area of its website. The two agencies work together in the battle against cancer, so sharing information is necessary.

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Minicuci says that while the information was on the Consortium's website, hackers gained access to that area.

Once the Michigan Department of Community Health learned of the incident, it pulled the information off of that website and sent letters to about 49,000 people to warn them about the breach.

The hackers may have had access to names, birth dates and social security numbers of patients involved in cancer testing. They did not have access to full medical records, phone numbers or addresses.

The letters were sent last week, so you should know by now if you are among the people affected.

Minicuci says the private information has now been secured. The department urged people whose information may be at risk to take the proper steps to protect their personal accounts and identity.

If you are among those affected, or ever worry that your personal information could be at risk, you can find information on how to protect your identity from the Federal Trade Commission.