Health care insurer Anthem Blue Cross revealed in early February that its security systems were breached and data on up to 80 million people was stolen.
The data stolen includes information on both current and former customers.
Anthem customer information taken during the theft includes: names, social security numbers, home and email addresses, employment data, and medical ID numbers, according to a Chico State Human Resources email. Credit card numbers are believed to have not been compromised.
“I thought about the Target hack that happened and how much of a mess that was,” said Ashley Simon, Anthem customer and Chico State senior. “It’s scarier to think about it happening to a place that has a lot more confidential and personal information.”
Simon and her family received an email from Anthem stating that their personal information had not been affected by the breach.
The president and CEO of Anthem, Joseph Swedish, revealed that Anthem employees’ information was also at risk, including his own.
“I assure you that we are working around the clock to do everything we can to further secure your data,” Swedish said in a message to Anthem customers.
Anthem has alerted members of potential phishing scams and recipients of such emails are advised to not reply, supply information or open any attachments.
Anthem will provide free credit monitoring and identity protection services to any affected customer dating back to 2004 for up to two years.
A website has been established by Anthem, www.anthemfacts.com, where customers can access updates and information about the breach as well as identity protection services.
Jenice Tupolo can be reached at [email protected] or @JayTupolo on Twitter.