Hackers have breached servers at a well known health insurer, and the attack is being said to be a "very sophisticated external cyber attack" in which over 80 million personal records, including names, birthdays, addresses and Social Security numbers were stolen.

"The Anthem insurance company breach is another in a long line of breaches that continue to have a deep and disheartening effect on consumer behavior and the smooth flow of commerce both here at home and worldwide," Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Mississippi), ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, said in a statement. "Of foremost concern is the impact on citizens' private information. Next, there is the more difficult task of identifying how the attack was carried out and by whom."



Anthem Blue Cross will individually notify current and former members whose information has been accessed. Free credit monitoring and identity protection services will also be provided. The company has also established a website, http://www.anthemfacts.com/, where members can access information and updates on the breach. Members and former members may also call 1-877-263-7995 with any questions or concerns they may have.

According to Wired, this is not the first time Anthem has been in trouble for exposing patient information. In 2012 Anthem Blue Cross settled a lawsuit brought by California Attorney General Kamala Harris over a complaint that the company exposed the Social Security numbers of 33,000 health plan members when it sent letters to them with their Social Security numbers clearly visible through windows in the envelopes. The following year the company had to notify an undisclosed number of doctors and other health care providers after it exposed their Social Security numbers in a document posted to the company’s web site.

Source: San Jose Mercury News