Anthem data breach targets 80 million

POSTED 9:11 PM, FEBRUARY 5, 2015, BY BONITA CORNUTE

ST. LOUIS – Up to 80 million people may have had their personal information stolen in a cyber-attack against America’s second-largest health insurer.

It is being described as a sophisticated, external cyber-attack by the president and CEO of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Observers say this could be the largest data breach to hit a health care company. In a written statement, the company announced it is cooperating with the FBI to find those responsible for the breach.

Employees, along with current and former Anthem members, are targets.

Anthem says the breach was discovered a week ago. Even the company CEO was hit. According to an Anthem spokesperson, to date there’s no proof that medical records were stolen, but hackers did get names, birthdays, Social Security numbers, street addresses, email addresses, and employment information.

Some say this type of attack is starting to feel like the new normal.

Experts say once a Social Security number is stolen, you might see it used up to three years down the road. The consumer may not immediately realize the Social Security number is being used. If you get hit, watch for identity theft in several areas, including: medical, tax, employment, and investments.