Hackers Breach Anthem Blue Cross, Millions of Customer Data Possibly Stolen

Hackers have managed to break into the health insurance database of Blue Cross Blue Shield insurer Anthem, gaining access to names, birth dates, email addresses, employment details, Social Security numbers, incomes and street addresses of people who are currently covered or have had coverage in the past.

Anthem Inc. revealed Wednesday that it was the recent victim of a "very sophisticated external cyber-attack" and that hackers broke into a database containing personal information for several million customers and employees, some of whom reside in California, according to a report from Mercury News. However, the nation's second largest health insurer said it did not appear that medical information, credit card numbers or bank account numbers were involved.

As gathered by the news service provider from Anthem spokesman Darrel Ng, as soon as the attack was discovered, every effort was made by the company to "close the security vulnerability." The FBI has also been contacted, and the company and the agency are working together in the investigation. Anthem Inc. has also retained Mandiant, one of the world's leading cybersecurity firms, to evaluate its systems and identify solutions to prevent further security breaches.

"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," Ng told reporters. Anthem Blue Cross will also individually notify current and former members whose information has been accessed. Free credit monitoring and identity protection services will also be provided. The company has also established a website,www.anthemfacts.com, where members can access information and updates on the breach. A dedicated toll-free number for both current and former members to call if they have questions related to the incident has also been set up. Those wishing to use the service can call 1-877-263-7995.

Anthem President Joseph Swedish said Wednesday in a statement said: "I want to personally apologize to each of you for what has happened, as I know you expect us to protect your information. 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."