HHS OCR report ยท 2013
Ferris State University MI College of Optometry data breach
OCR report facts
- Covered entity
- Ferris State University MI College of Optometry
- Entity type
- Healthcare Provider
- State
- Michigan
- Individuals affected
- 3,947
- Submission date
- Oct 23, 2013
- Type of breach
- Hacking/IT Incident
- Location of breached information
- Network Server
- Business associate present
- No
- Status
- Archive (closed)
OCR description
An unauthorized person evaded the network security of Ferris State University Michigan College of Optometry on December 1, 2011, and placed a malware program on the computer Ferris uses to operate its website, which had the technical ability to access its electronic files on certain network servers. The breach of electronic protected health information (ePHI) affected approximately 3,947 individuals and included patients' names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, diagnoses/c...
Text as published on the HHS OCR breach portal.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were affected by the Ferris State University MI College of Optometry data breach?
The report to HHS OCR lists 3,947 individuals affected.
When was it reported to HHS?
It was submitted to HHS OCR on Oct 23, 2013.
What type of breach was it?
The OCR portal lists the type of breach as Hacking/IT Incident, with the breached information located in: Network Server.
Is the investigation still open?
No. The report is in the OCR portal archive, which holds reports where OCR has closed its review.
Is a breach notice letter from Ferris State University MI College of Optometry legitimate?
This site cannot verify letters. Check the sender against the organisation's official website and the HHS OCR breach portal, and avoid calling numbers or clicking links only listed in an unexpected message. See our guide on what to do after a data breach notice.
Source: HHS OCR Breach Portal, OCR export October 2026. Network USA is not affiliated with HHS or Ferris State University MI College of Optometry.