What should individuals do upon receiving a breach notification under the HITECH Act?

Upon receiving a breach notification under the HITECH Act, individuals should verify the legitimacy of the notification and take necessary precautions. This response is critical because a breach notification may indicate that their personal health information has been compromised, which can lead to identity theft or other privacy violations if not addressed promptly.

Verifying the notification helps ensure that individuals are responding to a genuine communication rather than a potential phishing attempt or scam. After confirming that the notification is legitimate, individuals can then take appropriate actions, such as changing passwords, monitoring financial accounts, or even freezing their credit to minimize the risk of further harm.

Taking proactive steps not only protects the individual's sensitive information but also aligns with the recommended best practices for safeguarding personal data in the event of a data breach.