Attorney General James Secures $450,000 from Medical Company Providing Services in Western New York for Failing to Protect Patient Data

 

US Radiology Experienced a Data Breach that Compromised Personal and Medical Data for Thousands of New Yorkers

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $450,000 from US Radiology Specialists, Inc. (US Radiology) for failing to protect its patients’ personal and health care data. US Radiology partners with and acts as a service provider for facilities throughout the country, including the Windsong Radiology Group, which has six offices across Western New York. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that US Radiology did not prioritize upgrading its hardware, which left its network exposed to a known vulnerability, leading to a ransomware attack that affected more than 92,000 New Yorkers. As a result of today’s agreement, US Radiology has agreed to pay $450,000 in penalties to New York, update its IT infrastructure, properly secure its networks, and update its data security policies.

“When patients visit a medical facility, they deserve confidence in knowing that their personal information will not be compromised when they are receiving care,” said Attorney General James. “US Radiology failed to protect New Yorkers’ data and was vulnerable to attack because of outdated equipment. In the face of increasing cyberattacks and more sophisticated scams to steal private data, I urge all companies to make necessary upgrades and security fixes to their computer hardware and systems. My office will continue to ensure companies do not neglect their legal responsibilities to protect New Yorkers’ private information.”

US Radiology is a large private radiology group that provides managed services for many of its partner companies, including the Windsong Radiology Group, which has six facilities across Western New York. US Radiology failed to quickly update its firewall to protect itself and its partner companies’ networks from cyber threats. In December 2021, a threat actor gained access to US Radiology’s network and stole the personal and health information of 198,260 patients, including the data of 92,540 New Yorkers. The stolen information included names, dates of birth, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, patient IDs, dates of service, provider names, types of radiology exams, diagnoses, and/or health insurance ID numbers.

The OAG’s investigation concluded that US Radiology had failed to adopt reasonable data security practices to protect patients’ personal information by failing to protect its firewall from a known vulnerability.    

As part of today’s agreement, US Radiology has agreed to pay $450,000 in penalties and adopt additional data security practices to strengthen its network, including:

• Enhancing and maintaining its existing written information security program that ensures the security, integrity, and confidentiality of patients’ personal information;
• Creating and implementing an IT asset management program for identifying, reporting, and prioritizing replacement or updates of IT assets;
• Encrypting patients’ personal information that it collects, stores, transmits, and/or maintains;
• Developing and maintaining a penetration testing program that regularly identifies and remediates any and all security vulnerabilities found during testing; and
• Implementing policies and procedures that seek to permanently delete their patients’ personal data when there is no reasonable business purpose to retain it.

Today’s agreement continues Attorney General James’ efforts to protect New Yorkers’ personal information and hold companies accountable for their poor data security practices. In October, Attorney General James secured $350,000 from Long Island health care company Personal Touch for failing to secure the data of 300,000 New Yorkers. Earlier that month, Attorney General James and a multistate coalition secured $49.5 million from cloud company Blackbaud for a 2020 data breach exposing the data of thousands of users. In September, Attorney General James reached an agreement with Marymount Manhattan College to invest $3.5 million to protect students’ online data. Also in May, Attorney General James recouped $550,000 from a medical management company for failing to protect patient data. In April, Attorney General James released a comprehensive data security guide to help companies strengthen their data security practices. In October 2022, Attorney General James announced a $1.9 million agreement with the owner of SHEIN and Zoetop for failing to properly handle a data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of consumers.

Governor Hochul Announces New Rendering of a Reimagined Albany International Airport

Project Awarded $60 Million From the Governor’s $230 Million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition

Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled a new video rendering that offers viewers their first glimpse of the interior of a reimagined Albany International Airport. The two-minute fly-through video depicts the spacious new passenger waiting areas that will be constructed as part of a recently begun upgrade of the Capital Region travel hub. The project is being funded with $60 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. The video, which was produced by the Airport’s design consultants, is available for viewing here and will be displayed at a November 8 public meeting on the Albany Airport Master Plan Update.

“Airports are gateways to their local communities and important economic engines for Upstate New York – we are doing all we can to ensure they are ready for the challenges of the 21st century,” Governor Hochul said. “This new rendering shows the exciting changes that are in store for the Albany International Airport and demonstrates the great progress we are making in modernizing our transportation infrastructure.”

Albany International Airport was one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul last year. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century. In August, the Governor announced that work had begun on the project.

With an existing terminal that was designed more than a quarter century ago, the Albany International Airport handles over a million enplanements a year and is challenged by space limitations. This $100 million revitalization project will support the expansion of the airport's terminal to provide enhanced passenger amenities pre and post checkpoint and more efficient passenger flow through security.

Additional improvements include:

• Installation of a 30 KW solar array installation on the rooftop and new energy-efficient LED lighting system throughout project area
• Revitalized airline ticketing, baggage claim and concession areas
• Removal of the existing rotunda and pedestrian bridge to construct a new main entrance with glass curtain wall and the installation of lightweight, translucent canopies
• Relocation and expansion of existing security checkpoint and passenger recompositing areas
• Airside marketplace expansion and creation of additional circulation and seating areas
• New children’s play zone
• Updates to the conference facilities, public arts area and writer’s workshop; and installation of multi-sensory calming room
• Expansion of the landside connector between the airport and the parking garage
• Upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems

The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding a single project or a program of projects to help meet the demands of the 21st century. Projects submitted for review by eligible airports were evaluated based on established criteria, including but not limited to innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies and economic effectiveness for the airport's region.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Analysis Finds Sharp Decline in Homeless Veterans in New York

 

New York state made substantial progress in reducing homelessness for veterans between 2010 and 2022 with the number of homeless veterans declining 83% (from 5,857 to 990), the largest percentage decline in the nation, according to an analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The share of homeless adults that are veterans was reduced from 9% in 2010 to just 1% in 2022.

“Veterans answered the call to serve our nation and defend our country’s ideals, and we owe them our gratitude and support,” DiNapoli said. “With federal support, New York is leading the way in reducing homelessness for our veterans. Continued attention to housing and other issues affecting our veterans is a necessary expression of our appreciation and a recognition of our duty to help these brave men and women.”

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there were 665,257 veterans living in New York in 2021, representing 4.2% of the state’s population.

Robust Federal Support Helps Lower Number of Homeless Vets

The most significant reduction in New York occurred between 2011 and 2016 when the number of homeless veterans declined by 78% (from 5,765 to 1,248). The reductions have been driven by policy and funding at the federal level that began in 2010 with release of the first Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Federal funding for programs addressing veterans’ homelessness through the Veteran’s Administration in 2009 totaled $376 million and has grown steadily since then. By 2022, federal funding had increased 635% to $2.7 billion.

New York City Leads the Way

The greatest progress has been made in New York City. From 2011 to 2022, the total number of homeless veterans in the city was reduced by 90%, from 4,677 to 482 individuals. In 2011, New York City accounted for 81% of all homeless veterans in the state. By 2022, New York City’s share of homeless veterans was reduced to 49%. New York City’s reductions in veteran homelessness accounts for 96% of the total statewide reduction between 2011 and 2022.

The success of the federally-funded programs coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs led the federal government to declare in 2015 that the city had effectively ended chronic homelessness (lasting longer than a year or repeated intermittent homelessness over a longer period) among veterans.

DiNapoli’s analysis also found:

• Black veterans persistently represent a disproportionate share of those experiencing homelessness. In 2022, Black or African Americans accounted for 53% of homeless veterans in the state, but only 11.1% of the overall veteran population.
• In New York, the largest shares of veterans are white males, and aged 65 or older who served during the Vietnam era.
• New York City is home to the largest population of veterans in the state (144,558), followed by Suffolk County (56,257). As a percentage of a county’s population, the highest share is in Jefferson County, with 13%.

Analysis

Reductions in Homelessness Among New York’s Veterans

MAYOR ADAMS LAUNCHES TASK FORCE TO COMBAT RETAIL THEFT

 

Representatives From Law Enforcement, Small Businesses, National Retailers, Organized Labor, and Business Groups Will Advise Administration on Legislative Proposals and Facilitate Information Sharing 

 

Task Force Delivers on Commitments in Mayor Adams’ Retail Theft Report 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today launched a task force to support implementation of his plan to combat retail theft across New York City. Led by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III, the task force delivers on a key commitment outlined in Mayor Adams’ “Retail Theft Report” — created through a collaborative effort between retailers, law enforcement, and other stakeholders — that included upstream, program-oriented solutions and enhanced enforcement efforts to combat retail theft. 

 

The task force brings together elected officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and all five district attorneys in New York City, with additional representatives from law enforcement, as well as local business groups, national retailers, and organized labor. The Adams administration will be represented by the Office of Public Safety, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ), and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS). 

 

“New York City’s retailers are the heart and soul of our city, and retail theft hurts everyone, from our mom-and-pop shops to large department stores — and especially consumers,” said Mayor Adams. “Because of the collaborative actions taken in the last few months between government, the private sector, law enforcement, and, most importantly, local businesses, retail theft is down this year, but there is always more work to do. I am proud to convene this group of experts and practitioners as we continue to take a 360-degree approach to combatting retail theft and curbing this serious issue that plagues cities across the country. Together, we recognize the importance of safeguarding our businesses, protecting jobs, and ensuring a safer and more vibrant city for all who live in, work in, and visit our great city.” 

 

“Retail theft continues to harm New Yorkers, threaten businesses, and threaten the safety of our communities,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “As we continue to see New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet and small businesses dealing with the consequences of retail theft, it’s more important than ever that we work together to combat this problem. Mayor Adams’ new retail theft task force will bring together law enforcement and community partners of all levels to develop the real solutions needed to address to this issue. I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Adams and our other partners so New Yorkers can feel safe in their neighborhoods and all our businesses can thrive.” 

 

“Retail theft is a serious problem that affects every one of us, and it is going to take all of us to solve it — law enforcement, government, retailers, and the public,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Banks. “Convening this task force allows us to fight shoplifting together from all fronts, using the best practices and latest intelligence to ensure that New York City remains a place where businesses can thrive and people are safe.” 

 

“Our unified efforts to combat retail theft in New York City certainly require the continued, unwavering commitment of every single stakeholder,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “By launching this task force, we are confronting head-on the genesis of this persistent and very costly issue and developing collaborative responses to prevent it from enduring. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are highly optimistic that by working together with our many partners in the community, the tide will soon turn on this widespread concern.” 

 

“Public safety is paramount to the success of our city and our small businesses,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “This task force reflects the Adams administration’s unwavering commitment to working with the small business community to fight retail theft. I am excited to work with our partners citywide in law enforcement, labor, and the business community to develop a comprehensive legislative agenda that stops retail theft in its tracks.” 

 

“I’m proud to be a part of the retail theft task force. Retail theft is a complex problem that demands a holistic approach, and I look forward to working with other stakeholders to drive change in this area,” said MOCJ Director Deanna Logan. “I am grateful for Mayor Adams’ commitment to addressing this critical issue that may harm the prosperity of our city. The intelligence and research organized through this task force will inform the administration’s efforts to combat retail theft in innovative ways — through developing key interventions, improving resource allocation, and fostering economic prosperity in communities citywide.” 

 

After shoplifting rose in New York City and cities across the nation over several years, the Adams administration’s partnerships with retailers and enhanced enforcement have begun to turn the tide. With the exception of 2020, the total number of citywide shoplifting complaints increased year over year between 2018 and 2022, with the largest increase — 44 percent — taking place from 2021 to 2022. However, year-to-date in 2023, shoplifting complaints are down 7.9 percent citywide as compared to 2022. Arrests for shoplifting increased 16.4 percent year-to-date in 2023 as compared to 2022 due to the NYPD’s enhanced enforcement efforts. 

 

The task force will advise the Adams administration on legislative proposals aimed at addressing retail theft, enhance intelligence sharing between stakeholders to identify and respond to emerging shoplifting trends and crime patterns, and ensure best practices are implemented throughout the city to utilize cutting-edge technology to deter, prevent, and respond to retail theft effectively. 

 

In December 2022, Mayor Adams convened a summit with more than 70 stakeholders to collaborate on policy and find creative solutions to address retail theft across New York City. The Adams administration then analyzed the information shared by the attendees at the summit, conducted independent research and data analyses, and consulted with law enforcement and retail business management to develop recommendations in the Retail Theft Report. 

  

Those recommendations consist of targeted solutions to reduce retail theft perpetrated by both individual shoplifters and organized crime rings. This includes a combination of increased law enforcement efforts and enhanced social service programming and resources to prevent shoplifting, particularly by individuals struggling with substance use disorders, serious mental illness, homelessness, or poverty. 

 

Members of the task force include: 

 

Government and Law Enforcement: The Offices of New York Attorney General Letitia James, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon, New York City Mayor’s Office of Public Safety, NYPD, MOCJ, and SBS. 

 

Local Business Organizations: 125th Street Business Improvement District (BID), Association Bodegueros, Bodega and Small Business Association of New York, Chinatown Partnership, Fine Fare Supermarkets, Flatbush-Nostrand Junction BID, Flushing BID/Flushing Chinese Business Association, Fordham Road BID, Grand Street BID, Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance, Jamaica Center BID, Korean American Business Council, Latino Supermarket Association, Madison Avenue BID, Pitkin Avenue BID, Retail Council of New York State, Washington Heights BID, and Yemeni American Merchants Association. 

 

Organized Labor: Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union. 

 

National Retailers: Gap Inc., LVMH, Macy’s, Starbucks, Target, Ulta, Victoria's Secret, and Walgreen Co. 

 

“My office has focused on combatting retail theft by partnering with the NYPD to identify repeat offenders, pursuing bail and felony indictments when appropriate, and working with retailers to secure cooperation and streamline prosecutions,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Gonzalez. “I’m grateful that the mayor is similarly focused on this issue and confident that the task force will add resources and allow for a more comprehensive and effective response across our city.” 

  

“Local businesses are crucial to the success of our communities,” said Queens District Attorney Katz. “My office, in partnership with the NYPD, launched the Queens Merchants Business Improvement Program to help combat retail theft in Queens. Retailers say it has made a difference. I look forward to working with stakeholders from the other boroughs on a citywide plan. I applaud Mayor Adams for his continued leadership on this issue.” 

 

“Retail theft is an issue that frustrates law-abiding New Yorkers and the honest, hard-working business owners who fall victim to lowly larcenists. We should not have to keep day-to-day goods under lock and key, and addressing the spike in retail theft will take a cooperative effort between law enforcement, social service providers, and retailers themselves,” said Richmond County District Attorney McMahon. “I am proud to take part in this effort and reaffirm that my office will continue to hold recidivist thieves fully accountable, while simultaneously using the leverage of the criminal justice system to encourage those who steal because of addiction, poverty, or mental health needs to treat those underlying conditions and prevent future criminal behavior.” 

 

“Mayor Eric Adams is dedicated to enhancing New York City’s status as the retail capital of the world, and store and community safety is an essential part of this effort,” said Melissa O’Connor, president and CEO, Retail Council of New York State. “The retail industry has partnered with the administration, the New York City Police Department, prosecutors, and community groups over the past several months to address organized retail crime, and today’s task force meeting is a necessary step in formalizing communication amongst all stakeholders in the five boroughs. We look forward to continuing the discussion in order to achieve results and would like to thank Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Banks for their partnership.” 

  

“The creation of the retail theft task force is another proactive and necessary step in the right direction to deal with what has become an economic epidemic for many small businesses,” said Wilma Alonso, president and CEO, Fordham Road Business Improvement District. “As the data starts to trend in the right direction, we are grateful to Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Banks for doubling down on their commitment to provide the necessary tools for our commercial corridors to promote public safety and for inspiring us to create our own Patrol Ambassador program to observe, deter, and report, including to such a responsive administration.” 

 

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Honor Our Veterans w. The Bronx Chamber

 

Join the Board of Directors and the leadership team of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the service of veterans during our annual luncheon and recognition ceremony at Pasquale Rigoletto's, 2311 Arthur Avenue on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. 

This year we honor all who served and present the Veteran-owned & Operated Business Award to Tree Army.

If you are a Veteran that would like to attend, please email: events@bronxchamber.org.

If you or your firm would like to sponsor the event please email, admin@bronxchamber.org.

Reserve Your Spot - Click Here

Statement from NYGOP Chair Ed Cox on Election Results

 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement:

 

“For the third year in a row, Republicans in New York had a great night, defending incumbents and winning upset victories across the state.

 

“Congratulations to Suffolk's Ed Romaine and Dutchess' Sue Serino on their landmark County Executive victories, and to Onondaga's Ryan McMahon and Oneida's Anthony Picente on their County Executive reelections.

 

"In Nassau County, where Republicans already held the Congressional seats, countywide offices and County Legislature, Republicans have now won every city and town, giving Republicans a clean sweep of the county for the first time since the early 1970s.

 

"Given that Suffolk County will now have a Republican County Executive, County Legislature, District Attorney and two Republican members of Congress, Long Island will be a Republican bastion. 

 

“In New York City, our congratulations go out to Kristy Marmorato on her extraordinary victory in a Bronx City Council district, and to the indomitable Vickie Paladino and Inna Vernikov on their hard-fought re-election victories.

 

“Congratulations to Mayors-elect John Safford in Saratoga Springs, Carmella Mantello in Troy and Mike Galime in Utica for their remarkable wins.

 

“New Yorker are fed up with Democrats’ anti-business policies, anti-good education policies and anti-citizen crime and immigration policies. Under one-party Democrat rule, New York has been a state in decline – but in every corner of the state, New Yorkers are fighting back...and winning.”

Permits Filed For 2127 Harrison Avenue In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 2127 Harrison Avenue in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between West 180th Street and West 181st Street, the lot is near the Burnside Avenue subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Cezar Haxhari of Cezar H LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 40-foot-tall development will yield 7,909 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 15 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 527 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a penthouse and a 39-foot-long rear yard.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting PC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in early 2022 for the two-story building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers of Election Protection Hotline to Assist Voters on Election Day

 

Voters Experiencing Problems Can Call (866) 390-2992, Consult Frequently Asked Questions, or Request Assistance Online

New York Attorney General Letitia James reminded New Yorkers that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will operate its Election Protection Hotline on Election Day, Tuesday November 7, and through Wednesday November 8 to help all New Yorkers who need assistance casting their ballots. The hotline will help voters with a range of issues, including issues with casting an absentee ballot by the November 7 deadline and voting in person. The OAG’s guide addressing frequently asked voting questions is also currently available online to assist New Yorkers with absentee voting, finding their correct polling place, preparing to vote in person, and more.  

“My office will always defend the fundamental right to vote free from fear, intimidation, or interference,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers head to the polls to cast their ballots, our Election Protection Hotline will help voters address any challenges they face and provide the necessary assistance to ensure their voices are heard.” 

New Yorkers are protected from voter intimidation, deception, and obstruction under state and federal law. Attorney General James urges voters experiencing problems voting to call OAG's hotline at (866) 390-2992 or submit a complaint online to request election-related assistance. The telephone hotline will be open between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Election Day. The hotline will also be available on Wednesday, November 8 between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM to help voters who need assistance following Election Day. Written requests for election-related assistance may be submitted at any time through an online form. Hotline calls and written requests for election-related assistance are processed by OAG attorneys and staff.

The OAG has operated its Election Protection Hotline since November 2012. During previous elections, OAG fielded hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of complaints from voters across the state and worked with local election officials and others to address issues. The OAG has also taken legal action to protect against voter registration purges and to ensure that voters have adequate and equitable access to vote early as required by law.

All registered voters have the right to accessible elections. On Election Day, polls are required to be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and if voters are in line before closing, they must be allowed to vote. In addition, all registered voters have the right to vote free from coercion or intimidation, whether by election officials or any other person.

The OAG will receive and respond to election complaints relating to any of the statutes that OAG enforces, including the newly operative New York Voting Rights Act.