Today, Premera Blue
Cross ("Premera") announced the organization has been the target of a
cyberattack.
On January 29, 2015, Premera discovered that cyberattackers had executed a
sophisticated attack to gain unauthorized access to its Information Technology
(IT) systems. Premera's investigation further revealed that the initial
attack occurred on May 5, 2014. As part of its investigation, Premera notified
the FBI and is coordinating with the Bureau's investigation into this attack.
Premera also worked closely with Mandiant, one of the world's leading
cybersecurity firms, to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident
and to remove the infection created by the attack.
"The security of Premera's members' personal information remains a top
priority. We at Premera take this issue seriously and sincerely regret the
concern it may cause," said Jeff Roe, Chief Executive Officer, Premera. "As
much as possible, we want to make this event our burden, not that of the
affected individuals, by making services available today to help protect
people's information."
This incident affected Premera Blue Cross, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Alaska, and its affiliate brands Vivacity and Connexion Insurance Solutions,
Inc. Premera's investigation determined that the attackers may have gained
unauthorized access to members' information, which could include members'
name, date of birth, Social Security number, mailing address, email address,
telephone number, member identification number, bank account information, and
claims information, including clinical information. Individuals who do
business with Premera and provided the company with their email address,
personal bank account number, or Social Security number are also affected.
The investigation has not determined that any such data was removed from
Premera's systems. Premera also has no evidence to date that such data has
been used inappropriately.
Premera is beginning to mail letters to approximately 11 million affected
individuals today and is providing two years of free credit monitoring and
identity theft protection services to those individuals. Premera also has
established a dedicated call center for its members and other affected
individuals. More information can be found at: www.premeraupdate.com. The
information involved in this incident dates back to 2002 and individuals who
believe they are affected by this cyberattack but who have not received a
letter by April 20, 2015, are encouraged to call the number listed at that
website.
Along with steps taken to cleanse its IT system of issues raised by this
cyberattack, Premera is taking additional actions to strengthen and enhance
the security of its IT systems moving forward.
Additional information about Premera's response to this cyberattack can be
found at www.premeraupdate.com.
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