Cyber attack on Anthem compromises PHI of 80 million
Physician Practice Insider, February 24, 2015
Hackers gained unauthorized access to Anthem’s information technology system and exposed the PHI of more than 80 million people who are currently or were previously covered by the insurance provider, according to The National Law Review.
Anthem set up a website that includes a letter from President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph R. Swedish and frequently asked questions about the breach. The letter states that the following current and former member information may have been compromised:
- Names
- Dates of birth
- Medical identification numbers
- Social Security numbers
- Addresses
- Email addresses
- Employment information
- Some income data
The attack also exposed the protected health information (PHI) of Anthem’s employees, including Swedish.
Upon discovering the attack, Anthem worked to close the security vulnerability and contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The insurer began working with cybersecurity firm Mandiant to perform an evaluation of its systems. Anthem will contact affected members and offer credit monitoring and identity protection, according to Swedish’s letter.
This article originally appeared on the HIPAA Update blog.
Related Products
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Don't forget the three checks in medication administration
- Nursing responsibilities for managing pain
- Complications from immobility by body system
- Note similarities and differences between HCPCS, CPT® codes
- Q&A: Primary, principal, and secondary diagnoses
- The consequences of an incomplete medical record
- Practice the six rights of medication administration
- Neurological checks for head injuries
- Prevent dehydration with nursing interventions
- OB services: Coding inside and outside of the package
- E-mailed
-
- Capturing start and stop times for infusions
- Differentiate between types of wound debridement
- Developing a Fall-Prevention Program
- CDC alert: Screen for international travel as Ebola cases increase
- Q&A: Utilization Review Committee Membership
- Life Safety Code Q&A: Ambulatory care soiled utility room
- Helping Charge Nurses understand their leadership role (Part 2 of 3)
- Five ways to safeguard your patients' valuables
- Searched