Over 180,000 individuals affected in New York Blood Center data leak - confidential information such as names, identification numbers, and Social Security numbers compromised
A significant data breach at the New York Blood Center has exposed the personal information of nearly 194,000 individuals, making it the fourth largest ransomware attack of the year based on the number of records compromised.
The breach occurred between January 20th and January 26th, and although the details about who is responsible for the breach have not been disclosed, researchers from Comparitech have confirmed 60 ransomware attacks in 2025 against various hospitals, clinics, and direct care providers, exposing over 5.4 million records.
The personal information exposed includes names, Social Security numbers, state-issued ID numbers, bank account information, health information, and test results. The Blood Center has not shared information about how its systems were breached, but they took immediate actions to contain the threat and reduce disruption to its services.
People who have been patients whose data was shared with the Blood Center should call them at 877-250-2848 to confirm whether or not their information was compromised. It is essential to note that your personal data could still end up in the hands of hackers, even if you don't do business with a targeted company directly.
In light of this breach, it is crucial to stay vigilant against social engineering attacks, phishing attempts, and other online threats. Emails that sound urgent and want you to "act now" could be phishing attempts, so it's best to avoid clicking on links, QR codes, or attachments from unknown senders.
Using one of the best antivirus programs, a VPN, or a hardened browser can help protect from online scams and hacks. Subscribing to an identity theft protection service like LifeLock or Aura is also recommended. In response to the breach, the Blood Center will be offering victims free access to an identity theft protection service through Experian, which includes credit monitoring.
This year has seen an increase in cyberattacks and data breaches targeting large organizations and businesses. To stay updated on the latest news, analysis, and reviews regarding cybersecurity, follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add them as a preferred source.
Taking immediate action is important instead of waiting after a data breach. By staying informed, staying vigilant, and taking the necessary precautions, you can help protect yourself and your personal data from cyber threats.
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