Anthem Responds to ‘Very Sophisticated’ Attack
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based Anthem Inc. (NYSE: ANTM) has hired a cybersecurity firm after a hack attack that could affect tens of millions of current and former customers. The health benefits company says hackers accessed information including names, social security numbers and employment information. A statement from Anthem says there is no evidence that credit card or medical information was compromised.
February 4, 2015
Statement From Anthem Inc.
Cyber attackers executed a very sophisticated attack to gain unauthorized access to one of Anthem's IT systems and have obtained personal information relating to consumers and Anthem employees who are currently covered, or who have received coverage in the past. The information accessed includes names, birthdays, social security numbers, street addresses, email addresses and employment information, including income data. No credit card information was compromised, nor is there evidence at this time that medical information such as claims, test results, or diagnostic codes were targeted or obtained.
As soon as we learned about the attack, we immediately made every effort to close the security vulnerability, contacted the FBI and began fully cooperating with their investigation. Anthem has also retained Mandiant, one of the world's leading cybersecurity firms, to evaluate our systems and identify solutions based on the evolving landscape.
We will individually notify current and former members whose information has been accessed. Credit monitoring and identity protection services will be provided free of charge so that those who have been affected can have peace of mind.
The company has established a dedicated website (www.anthemfacts.com) where members can access information, including frequent questions and answers.
There is also a dedicated toll-free number that both current and former members can call if they have questions related to this incident. That number is: 877-263-7995.
We take consumers' privacy very seriously and are doing everything in our power to make our systems and security processes – and most importantly your data – more secure. In the meantime, as we learn more, we will continue to provide updates.
Source: Anthem Inc.