Anthem, the US’ second-largest health insurer, announced today that it was the victim of a cyber-attack last week, in which its database of about 80 million records — including names, birthdays and social security numbers — was compromised.
Anthem reports that other personal member data like addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and employment information was also stolen. However, the company says that it has no evidence to show that credit card numbers, medical history, diagnosis or treatment data were exposed.
Anthem says it contacted the FBI immediately after it discovered the attack, and has commissioned cybersecurity firm Mandiant to evaluate its systems and identify possible remedies for the situation.
President and CEO Joseph Swedish has promised that Anthem will contact all affected members whose information had been compromised, and provide them with free credit monitoring and identity protection services. The company has also set up a site for members to find more information at AnthemFacts.com.
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The breach at Anthem is the latest major cyberattack aimed at US companies for user data, after Target and Home Depot had their systems hacked into last year.
➤ AnthemFacts [via The Wall Street Journal]
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