Cybersecurity Top Issue After Anthem Hack

Cybersecurity has been at the forefront of people’s minds in the wake of news that Anthem’s security breach could have potentially put 80 million people’s personal information at risk.

So how did Anthem make itself a security risk? The hackers are believed to have accessed Anthem’s information by stealing the company system administrator’s access information, according to The Hill. Furthermore, the Associated Press reported that the hackers were able to get credentials of 5 different tech workers at the country’s second-largest health insurer.

The White House just announced that President Barack Obama will establish a new agency to combat cyberattacks, according to The Washington Post. The White House is expected to announce the creation of the Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center Tuesday.

Less than a week before Anthem was hacked, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) said cybersecurity was going to be a key initiative for the new year and that it had created a new Cybersecurity Task Force to monitor risk and their impact on the insurance industry.

“We're hoping to propose additional guidance to insurance examiners to assure the nation's insurers are using the best risk management practices available to manage their risk of cyber loss,” NAIC President and Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen had said January 29.

After the Anthem attack was made public, members of NAIC called for a multi-state examination of Anthem and its affiliates. NAIC expected all 56 states and territories would sign on for examinations because of the potential scope of the breach.

According to NAIC, Indiana, California, Missouri, Maine, and New Hampshire are expected to take the lead because they have significant Anthem business.

“Since the news broke, regulators have been working together and have been in discussion with Anthem executives,” Ms Lindeen said. “We are in agreement that an immediate and comprehensive review of the company’s security must be a priority to ensure protection of consumers who are covered by Anthem.”