February 17, 2015

Update on Anthem Security Breach

This article was archived from the previous WordPress site. Formatting and media should be close, but may not match the original post perfectly.

As most of you are likely aware, 1.2 million CT residents are currently facing the threat of identity theft after a major security breach at Anthem health insurance.

Information stolen from current and former customers includes names, dates of birth, medical IDs, Social Security numbers, street addresses, e-mail addresses, employment information and some income data. It does not seem that any medical records or credit card numbers have been exposed, but I urge you to be aware of activity regarding such information.

Anthem is not calling Connecticut members regarding the cyber-attack and is not asking for credit card information or social security numbers over the phone. Anthem will contact current and former members via mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service about the cyber-attack with specific information on how to enroll in credit monitoring.

Affected members will receive free credit monitoring and ID protection services. According to Anthem, consumers may sign up for identity theft repair and credit monitoring services — offered free of charge for two years. Information on how to enroll is now posted at www.anthemfacts.com.

Connecticut residents who may have been impacted by the cyber-attack against Anthem should also be aware of scam email campaigns designed to appear as if they are from Anthem, targeting current and former Anthem members.

These emails are NOT from Anthem.

DO NOT click on any links in email.
DO NOT open any attachments that arrive with email.
DO NOT reply to the email or reach out to the senders in any way.
DO NOT supply any information on the website that may open, if you have clicked on a link in an email.Anthem customers are advised to:

Change their online passwords and to check their credit reports for suspicious activity.
Report any suspicious activity on their credit report or other financial accounts to law enforcement authorities immediately.For guidance on recognizing scam emails, visit the FTC website: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0003-phishing
For more information about the data breach visit http://www.anthemfacts.com/ or contact Anthem at: 1-877-263-7995.For information about obtaining credit reports and other advice for consumers visit www.ct.gov/anthemadvice.

Suspicious activity can also be reported to the Office of the Attorney General’s Privacy Task Force by emailing attorney.general@ct.gov or calling 860-808-5318.As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 800-842-1423 or email cara.pavalock@housegop.ct.gov.