Dear Colleagues:<\/p>\n
There was a data breach at Anthem – the parent of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (EBCBS), which provides coverage for the Hospital component of the Empire Plan. \u00a0Most of the media reports indicate that the breach was the result of a \u201csophisticated cyber attack\u201d, rather than an internal business failure.<\/p>\n
The breach involves Anthem\u2019s entire book of business, including Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield.<\/p>\n
Anthem has contacted law enforcement, is working with the FBI, and has retained the cybersecurity firm Mandiant to evaluate its systems and conduct forensic work. \u00a0At this time, Anthem has not yet determined which specific enrollees have been affected.<\/p>\n
Until proven otherwise, we should anticipate that the breach could impact all Empire Plan and EBCBS HMO members.<\/p>\n
Anthem\u2019s Actions:
\n\u00b7 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anthem will notify each current and former member whose information has been accessed;
\n\u00b7 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anthem will provide credit monitoring and identity protection services free of charge to those \u00a0\u00a0who have been affected;
\n\u00b7 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anthem has established a website, www.AnthemFacts.com<\/a> for members to access information or see FAQs; and
\n\u00b7 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Anthem has established a dedicated toll-free phone number (1-877-263-7995) for members to call with questions.<\/p>\n