Anthem victim of colossal breach
A major cybersecurity breach has compromised the data of 80 million current and former members of health insurer Anthem.
Hackers launched a “very sophisticated” external cyberattack that placed at risk information including names, birthdates, medical ID/Social Security numbers, street addresses, email addresses, employment information and income data, according to a notice.
To date, there is no evidence that credit card or medical information was targeted in the breach.
The FBI has launched an investigation into the incident, and Anthem is working with cybersecurity firm Mandiant to evaluate its systems and identify solutions to prevent further breaches.
“Anthem’s own associates’ personal information–-including my own–-was accessed during this security breach. We join you in your concern and frustration, and I assure you that we are working around the clock to do everything we can to further secure your data,” wrote President and CEO Joseph R. Swedish in a letter.
The insurer has set up a website, www.AnthemFacts, and a toll free phone line to handle inquiries related to the incident.