Menu
State-sponsored Chinese hackers reportedly suspected in US health insurer breach

State-sponsored Chinese hackers reportedly suspected in US health insurer breach

The hackers are said to have used techniques deployed in the past by China-based attackers

Hackers involved in the data breach at US health insurer, Anthem, may have ties to the Chinese government, according to a news report.

Investigators see techniques used by a nation-state attacker, with China a leading suspect, reported Bloomberg Business. The news report cited information from three people close to the investigation, being conducted by the US FBI and private cybersecurity firm, Mandiant.

The investigation is in its early stages, but some of the software and techniques used in the Anthem attack are similar to other attacks used almost exclusively in the past by China, according to the Bloomberg article.

The personal information, including Social Security numbers and email addresses, of about 80 million people may be exposed in the breach, according to Anthem. Anthem has 37.5 million subscribers for its health plans, and more than 68 million people are customers of its affiliated companies under brands including Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Empire Blue Cross and Amerigroup.

Credit card numbers and medical information don't appear to be compromised in the breach, according to Anthem.

Anthem reported the breach Wednesday, saying it was the victim of a "very sophisticated external cyber attack."

Representatives of the FBI and Mandiant weren't immediately available for comment on the news report.

Grant Gross covers technology and telecom policy in the U.S. government for The IDG News Service. Follow Grant on Twitter at GrantGross. Grant's email address is grant_gross@idg.com.


Follow Us

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags industry verticalshealth careMandiantU.S. FBIAnthem

Events

EDGE 2023

EDGE is the leading technology conference for business leaders in Australia and New Zealand, built on the foundations of collaboration, education and advancement.

WIICTA 2023

ARN has celebrated gender diversity and recognised female excellence across the Australian tech channel since first launching WIICTA in 2012, acknowledging the achievements of a talented group of female front runners who have become influential figures across the local industry.

ARN Innovation Awards 2023

Innovation Awards is the market-leading awards program for celebrating ecosystem innovation and excellence across the technology sector in Australia.

Brand Post

Show Comments