Breach exposes private data of Nevadans insured by Anthem

By Jackie Valley

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 | 5:35 p.m.

A cyberattack against Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield — the second-largest insurance carrier in Nevada — has compromised current and former policyholders' personal information, the Nevada Division of Insurance warned residents Thursday.

The personal information obtained by attackers included names, birth dates, medical identification and Social Security numbers, street addresses, email addresses and income data, according to an online message from Anthem's president and CEO, Joseph Swedish. Anthem noted that, at this time, there is no evidence indicating credit card or medical information was compromised.

Anthem, which provides coverage for about 350,000 people in the state, will notify all current and former customers affected by the security breach, officials said. The company also will offer credit monitoring and identity protection services free of charge.

"We have been in close communications with Anthem about this issue, and are monitoring the situation diligently," Insurance Commissioner Scott Kipper said in a statement. "As the consumer protection agency for insurance issues in Nevada, we will ensure that all affected Anthem policyholders in Nevada are provided protection against this data breach."

Nevada residents who believe they have been affected can call 877-263-7995, the toll-free number Anthem established to assist customers, or visit anthemfacts.com.

Questions or concerns can also be directed to the Nevada Division of Insurance at 702-486-4009.