Data Security , Government security Medicare directory exposes Social Security numbers of US healthcare providers May 1, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) A directory created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has exposed the Social Security numbers of a number of US healthcare providers, according to a recent report by Tech Radar. The database, intended to populate a Medicare directory launched by CMS as part of plans to modernize Medicare, was left publicly accessible. This database contained the Social Security numbers of healthcare providers, which CMS stated were entered by mistake due to incorrect entries of provider-supplied information. The agency has since taken steps to address the issue and reinforce data safeguards. The exact number of exposed Social Security numbers has not been disclosed, nor has information on whether providers have been notified. The database was removed after being flagged by The Washington Post. Healthcare providers concerned about potential exposure are advised to place fraud alerts on their credit, review credit reports, and file complaints with relevant authorities like the Federal Trade Commission and the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Source: Tech Radar SC Staff Related Malware Clandestine Deep#Door stealer facilitates long-term data compromise SC Staff May 1, 2026 Infosecurity Magazine reports that Windows systems are being stealthily targeted for protracted surveillance and credential exfiltration with the new Python-based Deep#Door backdoor framework. Malware Celebrity data leak exposes private photos and messages due to stalkerware SC Staff May 1, 2026 Cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered the data, which included intimate chat logs from apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Government Regulations House passes surveillance program extension bill SC Staff May 1, 2026 The House has approved legislation extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for three more years amid Senate uncertainty, according to The Record, a news site by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. Related Events Cybercast Beyond the Hype: The Cybersecurity Trends CISOs are Keeping an Eye on in 2026 On-Demand Event Cybercast Beyond the data perimeter: Why next-generation DSPM is the foundation for modern data security On-Demand Event Virtual Conference Securing the Future of Finance: Strategies to Counter Modern Cyber Threats On-Demand Event Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe Related Terms Bit Block Cipher Ciphertext Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Data Encryption Standard (DES) Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Decryption Digital Envelope Digital Signature Digital Signature Standard (DSS) You can skip this ad in 5 seconds