The recent data breach at Cooper University Health Care is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our healthcare systems. Over 57,000 patients had sensitive details, including Social Security numbers and health insurance information, potentially exposed. If you’re wondering whether your information was compromised and what actions you should take to protect your privacy, you’re not alone. This guide aims to provide clarity and actionable steps to safeguard your identity in the wake of this breach.
What Data Points Were Leaked?
The Cooper University Health Care data breach exposed a wide range of personal information, putting tens of thousands of individuals at risk. Here’s what was compromised:
Full Names: Directly ties the data to your identity.
Social Security Numbers (SSNs): The crown jewel for identity thieves. With an SSN, a criminal can open accounts, apply for loans, or file fraudulent tax returns.
Birthdates: Used to confirm identity—often required by banks and government agencies.
Health Insurance Information: Includes policy numbers and insurer details, which can be misused for medical fraud.
Why these data points matter:
Each of these details on its own is sensitive. Together, they become a blueprint for identity theft. Think of it as handing over the keys to your digital life. With just a name and SSN, someone could try to access your bank accounts or impersonate you to get medical treatment under your insurance. Birthdates and health insurance details only add more fuel to the fire, making targeted scams or fraudulent claims easier.
If you’re one of the 57,000+ affected, it’s not just your privacy at stake—it’s your financial and medical security, too. Data like this is exactly what cybercriminals are after, and once it’s out, there’s no putting the genie back in the bottle.
Should You Be Worried?
When your personal details end up in the wrong hands, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a real risk. Data breaches like the one at Cooper Health have very tangible consequences that go beyond annoying spam calls. Let’s break down why this should matter to you.
The Risks Lurking Behind Leaked Data
Identity theft isn’t just a scary buzzword. It means someone can pretend to be you, opening credit cards, draining your bank accounts, or even committing crimes in your name. When sensitive information is exposed, it gives cybercriminals the building blocks they need.
What kind of data was exposed?
While the specific details of the Cooper Health breach may vary, breaches typically include:
Names
Social Security numbers
Medical records
Contact information (phone numbers, addresses, emails)
Insurance details
How can this data be misused?
Financial Fraud: Criminals may use stolen information to apply for loans or credit cards.
Medical Identity Theft: Your medical records could be used for false insurance claims or to receive medical care under your name.
Phishing Attacks: Expect more sophisticated scam emails or calls tailored with your leaked data to trick you into revealing even more.
Account Takeovers: With enough information, attackers can reset passwords and gain access to your online accounts.
Why Should You Care About Identity Theft?
Think of identity theft like someone stealing the keys to your house, but worse—they can make copies, change the locks, or rack up bills in your name. Victims often spend months, even years, cleaning up the mess. The emotional toll—stress, anxiety, and a lingering sense of vulnerability—can be just as damaging as the financial hit.
How Criminals Exploit Leaked Data
Malicious actors don’t need your entire life story; just a few key pieces can set off a chain reaction:
Social Engineering: By piecing together leaked details, scammers craft believable stories to manipulate you or your contacts.
Credential Stuffing: If you reuse passwords (don’t!), attackers will try your exposed credentials on other sites.
Black Market Sales: Your data can be bundled and sold on the dark web to the highest bidder.
Where Cloaked Fits In
If you’re looking to limit your exposure after a breach, privacy tools like Cloaked can help. Cloaked lets you create disposable emails, phone numbers, and addresses, so even if one set gets leaked, your real information stays protected. It’s an extra barrier between your identity and those looking to misuse it.
The bottom line: Treat any data breach as a wake-up call. The risks are real, and the consequences can follow you for years if left unchecked.
What Should Be Your Next Steps?
When your personal data is caught up in a breach, the clock starts ticking. Quick, deliberate action helps limit the fallout. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you protect your identity and finances after a data breach, with a nod to the support available from Cooper University Health Care.
1. Place a Fraud Alert
Contact a major credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to set up a free fraud alert. This makes it tougher for thieves to open new accounts in your name.
When you activate a fraud alert with one bureau, it notifies the others automatically.
A fraud alert lasts one year and is renewable.
2. Monitor Your Financial Statements
Scrutinize bank, credit card, and investment account activity. Look for withdrawals or purchases you didn’t make.
Set up account alerts to receive notifications of any unusual activity.
Report suspicious transactions to your financial institution immediately.
3. Check Your Credit Reports
Request free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. You’re entitled to one from each bureau every year, but after a breach, you may qualify for more frequent checks.
Look for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries, or any odd changes to your credit history.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze
Freezing your credit blocks new creditors from accessing your credit file, making it almost impossible for thieves to open new lines of credit.
You’ll need to contact each credit bureau separately for this step.
5. Update Passwords and Security Questions
Change passwords for any account that could be at risk, especially if you use the same password across multiple sites.
Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and update your security questions if any personal information was exposed.
6. Sign Up for Identity Protection Services
Cooper University Health Care is offering free identity protection and credit monitoring services to those affected by the breach. This can help detect misuse of your information and offer guidance on what to do if your identity is stolen.
Take advantage of these services; they’re a solid safety net during a stressful time.
7. Watch for Scam Attempts
Be extra cautious with emails, calls, or texts claiming to be from banks or government agencies.
Never share sensitive details unless you’re sure who’s asking. After a breach, scammers often use leaked information to sound convincing.
8. Stay Informed
Keep an eye on updates from Cooper University Health Care regarding the breach.
If you have questions, use the contact resources provided in their official communications.
9. Consider Privacy Tools
Tools like cloaked can help you control your digital footprint. Cloaked allows you to create secure, disposable contact information—like emails and phone numbers—which shields your real details if another breach happens. It’s an extra step toward keeping your personal data out of the wrong hands.
Taking action now can stop a bad situation from getting worse. Being proactive isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
At Cloaked, we believe the best way to protect your personal information is to keep it private before it ever gets out. That’s why we help you remove your data from people-search sites that expose your home address, phone number, SSN, and other personal details. And to keep your info private going forward, Cloaked lets you create unique, secure emails and phone numbers with one click - so you sign up for new experiences without giving away your real info. With Cloaked, your privacy isn’t a setting - it’s the default. Take back control of your personal data with thousands of Cloaked users.
*Disclaimer: You agree not to use any aspect of the Cloaked Services for FCRA purposes.
