Anthem data breach is reminder of cyber risks facing health care

A recent cyber attack against health insurer Anthem’s information technology system serves as a potent reminder to hospitals and other health care organizations of the importance of ongoing initiatives to prevent and protect against cybersecurity risks. Cyber attackers gained access to personal information about current and former members, including information such as names, birth dates, medical IDs/social security numbers, addresses, email and employment data, according to a notice on the insurer’s website. While still attempting to determine who and how many individuals are affected, the company said all of its health plans were impacted. The insurer is working with federal law enforcement investigators to identify the source of the attack and plans to provide affected individuals with free credit monitoring and identity protection services. Hospitals are encouraged to review cybersecurity resources on AHA’s website at www.aha.org/advocacy-issues/cybersecurity.shtml.