A recent revelation from Connecticut-based healthcare provider Yale New Haven Health System has left millions of patients on high alert, as a data breach was reported to have affected over 5.5 million individuals.

The news, which was posted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in breach reports, reveals that a "hacking/IT incident" impacted Yale New Haven's network server, compromising sensitive patient information.

The breach, which is currently under investigation, is believed to have occurred due to a cyber attack on the healthcare system's IT infrastructure. The exact nature of the incident and the duration of the breach are still unclear, but officials have assured patients that they are taking all necessary steps to contain the issue and prevent further unauthorized access.

According to the HHS report, the data breach exposed the following sensitive information: patient names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, medical record numbers, and insurance claim numbers. Additionally, some patients may have had their email addresses or other contact information compromised as well.

Yale New Haven Health System has promised to notify affected individuals promptly and take steps to secure their personal data. The healthcare provider is also working with state and federal authorities to investigate the breach and identify the source of the cyber attack.

Patients who may have been impacted by the breach are advised to monitor their credit reports and accounts for any suspicious activity, as well as keep a close eye on their email inboxes for any phishing attempts. The healthcare system has also set up a dedicated hotline and website for patients to report any concerns or questions they may have about the breach.

In a statement, Yale New Haven Health System acknowledged the incident and expressed their commitment to protecting patient data. "We take the security of our patients' information very seriously and are working diligently to identify the cause of the incident," said a spokesperson for the healthcare system. "We will continue to cooperate fully with state and federal authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable."

The recent data breach is just the latest in a string of high-profile cyber attacks targeting healthcare providers across the United States. As the healthcare industry continues to rely heavily on technology to manage sensitive patient information, the risk of data breaches remains a pressing concern.