Anthem Security Breach

Verizon released the following info about the Anthem breach.

We are writing to provide a critical update on Anthem’s data breach. Again, Anthem is working around the clock to identify who is being affected and will be contacting them directly to offer identity protection and credit monitoring at no charge.

Anthem just notified us that there are related email scams being sent in connection with the breach. These scams, designed to capture personal information (known as “phishing”) are designed to appear as if they are from Anthem or Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and the emails include a “click here” link for credit monitoring. These emails are NOT from Anthem nor Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

We are trying every way possible to spread the word. Please be advised:

• DO NOT click on any links in an 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.
• DO NOT open any attachments that arrive with an email.

Anthem and Blue Cross and Blue Shield are NOT calling members regarding the cyber-attack and are not asking for credit card information or social security numbers over the phone.

These emails are from scam artists who are trying to trick consumers into sharing personal data. There is no indication that the scam email campaigns are being conducted by those that committed the cyber-attack, or that the information accessed in the attack is being used by the scammers.

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.

In addition, Anthem has launched a national media campaign to alert people of this email phishing scam.

Verizon takes the privacy and security of employee of information seriously and remain committed to monitoring this situation. We will continue to update you with any important developments.