Social security numbers and other personal information of millions of customers of Anthem, including that of its CEO Joseph R. Swedish, has reportedly been stolen by hackers in a massive security breach.
Hackers reportedly targeted all business lines of the health insurer and stole information such as names, birthdays, medical IDs/social security numbers, street addresses, e-mail addresses and employment information, including income data.
Anthem is yet to specify the number of customers affected by the breach but it is believed that number could reach tens of millions.
The company has a customer list of 69 million people, and at least 37 million are enrolled for its health plans.
"We are working around the clock to determine how many people have been impacted and will notify all Anthem members who are impacted through a written communication," Anthem said in a FAQ page released about the breach.
The health insurer in a statement called the hack a "very sophisticated external cyber attack." However, there is no proof yet that credit card information of customers was stolen.
"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," Anthem President and CEO Joseph Swedish said in a statement.
The affected (plan/brands) include Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Amerigroup, Caremore, Unicare, Healthlink, and DeCare.
The company has assured that it will reach out to each affected customer via mail to guide them on the next plan of action.
