In a shocking revelation, New York Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that at least four million New Yorkers may have been affected by a recent data breach at medical transcription company Perry Johnson & Associates. The breach, which compromised the personal information of nearly nine million patients, has raised concerns about the potential risk of identity theft.

The majority of those affected by the breach were patients from prominent healthcare providers, including Northwell Health and Crouse Health. Attorney General James reassured the public that most individuals who had their data compromised or impacted had been notified by Tuesday morning.

The breach, first discovered by Perry Johnson & Associates in May, has exposed sensitive information, such as social security numbers, insurance details, and clinical data from medical files. This valuable personal information in the wrong hands could lead to identity theft and financial harm for the victims.

Attorney General James issued a stern warning to those impacted by the breach, urging them to remain vigilant and take immediate action to protect themselves. She emphasized the seriousness of identity theft and affirmed her commitment to ensuring the safety of New Yorkers.

To assist individuals affected by the breach, James' office provided a comprehensive list of recommended actions. These include monitoring credit reports, placing fraud alerts, obtaining copies of medical records, contesting unrecognized medical bills, and informing insurance companies promptly.

In the event of medical identity theft, victims are encouraged to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) either online or by calling 877-438-4338.

The breach serves as a stark reminder of the ever-growing threats faced by the healthcare industry and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The incident highlights the importance of implementing stringent data protection protocols to safeguard sensitive patient information.

As investigations into the breach continue, New Yorkers are urged to remain cautious and take the necessary steps to shield themselves from potential harm. The Attorney General's Office will remain steadfast in its efforts to mitigate the fallout of this breach and protect the well-being of affected individuals.

The impact of this breach on millions of New Yorkers underscores the urgent need for organizations and individuals to prioritize data security and adopt proactive measures to prevent future breaches of this magnitude.