On October 7, 2024, Smile Design Management LLC (“Smile Design”) filed a notice of data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights after discovering that the organization was the victim of a recent cyberattack. In this notice, Smile Design explains that the incident resulted in an unauthorized party being able to access consumers’ sensitive information. Upon completing its investigation, Smile Design began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was affected by the recent data security incident.
If you received a data breach notification from Smile Design Management LLC, it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. A data breach lawyer can help you learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft, as well as discuss your legal options following the Smile Design Management data breach. For more information, please see our recent piece on the topic here.
What Caused the Smile Design Management Data Breach?
The Smile Design Management data breach was only recently announced, and more information is expected in the near future. However, Smile Design’s filing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights provides some important information on what led up to the breach. Smile Design also posted a website notice discussing the incident.
According to this source, on February 22, 2024, Smile Design detected unusual activity related to third-party software used by the company. In response, Smile Design enlisted the help of third-party cybersecurity experts to assist with the company’s investigation.
This investigation confirmed that certain files on Smile Design’s network were subject to unauthorized access between February 22, 2024, and February 23, 2024. It was subsequently determined that some of the files and folders that were accessible to the unauthorized party contained confidential information relating to certain people.
After learning that sensitive consumer data was accessible to an unauthorized party, Smile Design Management reviewed the compromised files to determine what information was leaked and which consumers were impacted. Smile Design completed this process on August 15, 2024.
On October 7, 2024, Smile Design posted its website notice and filed notice of the data breach with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights. In its website notice, Smile Design notes that it has sent data breach letters to those affected by the breach. These letters should provide victims with a list of what information belonging to them was compromised.
More Information About Smile Design Management LLC
Founded in 2004, Smile Design Management LLC is a network of dental care offices with a headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Smile Design provides a wide range of dental care services, including cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and preventative care. Smile Design operates 50 offices throughout Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area. Smile Design Management employs more than 682 people and generates approximately $17 million in annual revenue.
