Anthem Reports Massive Cybersecurity Breach

Anthem, formerly known as WellPoint, Inc, reported early Thursday that hackers infiltrated the company, potentially putting as many as 80 million customers’ information at risk.

The cyberattackers obtained personal information from both current and former employees: names, birthdays, medical IDs/Social Security numbers, street addresses, e-mail addresses, employment information, etc. However, according to Joseph R. Swedish, president and CEO of Anthem, Inc, there was no evidence that credit card or medical information, such as claims, test results, or diagnostic codes, were compromised.

“Safeguarding your personal, financial and medical information is one of our top priorities, and because of that, we have state-of-the-art information security systems to protect your data,” Mr Swedish wrote on the Anthem website. “However, despite our efforts, Anthem was the target of a very sophisticated external cyber attack.”

Anthem is the nation’s second-largest health insurance company and offers Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in California, New York, and other states.

Personal information of Anthem employees, including Mr Swedish, was also accessed during this security breach, which took place on January 29. Once the attach was discovered, Anthem notified the FBI and made efforts to close the security vulnerability.

“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,” Mr Swedish wrote.

The company will notify members whose information was accessed during the security breach and will provide credit monitoring and identity protection services free of charge. Concerned individuals can access information or get answers to questions at a newly created website, www.AnthemFacts.com, or call 1-877-263-7995.

“I want to personally apologize to each of you for what has happened, as I know you expect us to protect your information,” Mr Swedish wrote. “We will continue to do everything in our power to make our systems and security processes better and more secure, and hope that we can earn back your trust and confidence in Anthem.”